Participatory Assessment and Selection of Workforce Health Intervention Priorities for Correctional Supervisors.

Abstract

A team of academics and unionized correctional supervisors collaborated to assess workforce health and determine intervention priorities using participatory methods and tools. Correctional supervisors took a web-based survey. Univariate and bivariate tests examined attitudes/behaviors, exposures, and outcomes most strongly associated with health; risk based on rank within chain-of-command; and health behaviors amenable to change. We used a voting process tool to prioritize intervention topics. Some health behaviors and outcomes were poor (89% overweight/ obese, 41% poor-quality sleep). We also found favorable health behaviors (annual check-ups) and psychosocial conditions (meaningful work). Some health risks (excessive overtime) were not amenable to change or resisted acknowledgment (poor mental health). The team voted to develop interventions on sleep, mental health, and obesity. Comprehensive health assessment informed the prioritization process, enabling the team to quickly reach consensus on intervention priorities.