Health promotion for trainees. Evaluation of an occupational health promotion project on nutrition and exercise

摘要

Background. Because of their age and the entry into working life, trainees are in a phase of change. As health-related behaviours also consolidate in this part of life, sensitization for corresponding topics can contribute to health promotion of the future employees in the long term. Methods. This study examines nutritional behaviour and physical activity as well as the general self-effectiveness expectations of trainees of a major company of the metal industry who participated in a health promotion program over an 11-month period. The participants' satisfaction with the program was evaluated. In addition, health-related data of 51 male trainees were collected by a questionnaire. Results. Significant results can be seen in the decrease of consumed portions of "extras" (soft drinks, snacks, chocolate) per day and in a significant increase of general self-effectiveness expectations. There were no changes relating to the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain bread, fast food or physical activity. Overall, the program received highly positive feedback. The trainees acquired health-related knowledge skills. The majority of the trainees could be motivated to continue their occupation with the topics discussed and now has the intention to change some aspects of health-related behaviour in their daily routine. Conclusion. The program has not shown direct and sudden effects on health behaviour in all of the investigated health-related topics. However, the early sensitization of the participants of corresponding topics as well as the increase in general self-effectiveness expectations might probably contribute to long-term health promotion of young employees.