Characteristics of Participants and Nonparticipants in Worksite Health Promotion

Purpose.To identify demographic characteristics associated with worksite health promotion participation and to determine whether employees with high-risk health-related behaviors, as measured by a health risk appraisal, were participating in programs designed to address these behaviors.Design.DescriptiveSetting.A petrochemical research and development company where employees were offered a health risk appraisal questionnaire, a series of on-site wellness programs, and an on-site fitness center.Subjects.All employees (n = 2290) working continuously from May 1, 1990, through February 28, 1992.Measures.Demographic and behavioral risk characteristics of participants and nonparticipants.Results.Participation was 37% (health risk appraisal), 64% (all wellness programs), and 10% (fitness center), with women participating at higher rates than men in all programs. Most programs attracted 10% to 40% of the employees at risk for the particular behavior addressed by the program, although lower penetration (7% to 9%) ...