This program was for women who were of low income and were employed in blue-collar positions.

Health Works for Women (HWW), a worksite program, was designed to provide information, guidance, and support to women to help them improve their physical activity behavior and dietary habits.

Post-test results from a randomized trial of this 18-month intervention demonstrated a significant increase in fruit and vegetable consumption and frequency of stretching and flexibility exercises among participants in the intervention group compared to those in the delayed-intervention control group. Changes in consumption of dietary fat, aerobic exercise, body mass index, rates of smoking cessation, and cancer screening were not significant between groups.

HWW was a health promotion program that focused on encouraging women to enhance their general physical health and well-being by emphasizing the following behaviors:

• Improve diet (e.g., decrease dietary fat, increase fruit and vegetable consumption);
• Increase physical activity (e.g., aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises);
• Decrease or stop smoking;
• Initiate or maintain regular cancer screenings (e.g., breast and cervical); and
• Reduce stress levels.

This program was implemented by lay health advisors who were women at a worksite who received specialized training.  These lay health advisors created a worksite health promotion system, educated their peers on various health-risk activities, and organized activities at their worksite to promote healthy attitudes and behaviors.  

In addition, participants received detailed, individualized information about their specific health concerns in computer-tailored messages two times during the intervention, and employee wellness committees were formed.  These groups focused on making tangible changes, such as improving the nutritional quality of vending machine and cafeteria food options, forming walking groups, fundraising to build a walking trail, and holding health screenings and health fairs. A community advisory committee was also formed to plan and implement community-wide health and wellness activities.

Previous use information beyond the evaluation study was not located.

Training was mandatory, and bi-monthly training was available for lay health advisors on specific topics, such as healthy eating, fitness and exercise, stress management, women and cancer, and weight management.  

This program is no longer available; however, considerations for implementing a similar program might include acquiring buy-in from worksite administration, staff, and participants; recruiting lay health advisors from the worksite and providing training for them; making time before or after work hours for program activities; and understanding there may be costs associated with some of the program components.

The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

If you are interested in implementing a program similar to HWW, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Program activities differed at worksites, and time to complete these activities varied.

Information about implementation costs was not located.

To move the HWW program to Effective category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence at least two additional studies must be conducted that demonstrate sustained, positive outcomes. At least one of these studies must be conducted independently of the program developer.

The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185     Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu

This program is no longer available. However, you may also contact UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention by visiting https://hpdp.unc.edu/about-us/contact-us/

Campbell et al. (2002).