The association of technology in a workplace wellness program with health risk factor reduction.

Abstract

Determine whether there is a relationship between level of engagement in workplace wellness programs and population/individual health risk reductions. A total of 7804 employees from 15 employers completed health risk appraisal and laboratory testing at baseline and again after 2 years of participating in their personalized prevention plan. Population and individual health risk transitions were analyzed across the population, as well as by stage of engagement. Of those individuals who started in a high risk category at baseline, 46% moved down to medium risk and 19% moved down to low risk category after 2 years on their prevention plan. In the group that only engaged through the Web-based technology, 24% reduced their health risks (P < 0.0001). Engaging technology and interactive Web-based tools can empower individuals to be more proactive about their health and reduce their health risks.