TY - JOUR
T1 - The Future Positive micro-intervention protocol
T2 - A program aiming to increase a healthy life-style among employees with a low socio-economic position
AU - Schelleman-Offermans, Karen
AU - Ruiter, Robert A.C.
AU - Massar, Karlijn
N1 - Copyright © 2022 Schelleman-Offermans, Ruiter and Massar.
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - This paper describes the development of a Dutch micro-intervention, Future Positive, that aims to increase health behaviors among employees with a low socio-economic position (SEP), with the ultimate aim to decrease socio-economic health inequalities. Intervention Mapping (IM) was used to adapt previously developed psychological capital interventions into a micro-intervention suitable to be delivered in the work context for employees with a low socio-economic position. The first 4 steps of IM including the results of pre-testing the developed intervention program are described. Step 1 consists of the needs assessment, and investigated (a) the individual determinants of health behavior and health inequalities, and (b) the needs of employees with a low SEP and their employers regarding the implementation of the intervention at the worksite. Matrices-of-change were produced in Step 2, and relevant methods and applications were selected in step 3. Step 4 involved the intervention development, resulting in a brief micro-intervention that will be delivered in small groups, guided by trained facilitators using motivational interviewing techniques. Program materials include informative video-clips and active and cooperative learning exercises. The intervention was pre-tested among three groups of employees. The IM process, as well as the pre-testing, revealed that emphasizing autonomy and using easy to understand and mostly visual materials offered in chunks is essential for a well-tailored intervention that is suitable for people with low SEP. Also, participation should be facilitated by employers: It should be free of costs, offered during working hours, and take place at the job site. Results showed that the Future Positive micro-intervention is substantiated by theory, applicable in a work setting (high reach), and tailored to the needs of employees with a low SEP. We therefore fill the gap in this existing range of interventions aimed to improve life-style behaviors and contribute to theory-based interventions aimed to decrease the SEP-Health gradient.
AB - This paper describes the development of a Dutch micro-intervention, Future Positive, that aims to increase health behaviors among employees with a low socio-economic position (SEP), with the ultimate aim to decrease socio-economic health inequalities. Intervention Mapping (IM) was used to adapt previously developed psychological capital interventions into a micro-intervention suitable to be delivered in the work context for employees with a low socio-economic position. The first 4 steps of IM including the results of pre-testing the developed intervention program are described. Step 1 consists of the needs assessment, and investigated (a) the individual determinants of health behavior and health inequalities, and (b) the needs of employees with a low SEP and their employers regarding the implementation of the intervention at the worksite. Matrices-of-change were produced in Step 2, and relevant methods and applications were selected in step 3. Step 4 involved the intervention development, resulting in a brief micro-intervention that will be delivered in small groups, guided by trained facilitators using motivational interviewing techniques. Program materials include informative video-clips and active and cooperative learning exercises. The intervention was pre-tested among three groups of employees. The IM process, as well as the pre-testing, revealed that emphasizing autonomy and using easy to understand and mostly visual materials offered in chunks is essential for a well-tailored intervention that is suitable for people with low SEP. Also, participation should be facilitated by employers: It should be free of costs, offered during working hours, and take place at the job site. Results showed that the Future Positive micro-intervention is substantiated by theory, applicable in a work setting (high reach), and tailored to the needs of employees with a low SEP. We therefore fill the gap in this existing range of interventions aimed to improve life-style behaviors and contribute to theory-based interventions aimed to decrease the SEP-Health gradient.
KW - Behavior Therapy
KW - Health Behavior
KW - Humans
KW - Needs Assessment
KW - Workplace
U2 - 10.3389/fpubh.2022.832447
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2022.832447
M3 - Article
C2 - 36211694
SN - 2296-2565
VL - 10
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
JF - Frontiers in Public Health
M1 - 832447
ER -