TXT 4 Health @ Work: A workplace health behaviour change program for shift workers

Shift work has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, depressive mood disorders and cancer. Many existing workplace wellness programs employ a standardized approach impractical for application to a shift work environment. Moreover, these programs have been shown to engage only people who are already engaging in healthy behaviours or highly motivated to change. The aim of this study was to develop a workplace health program for shift workers that encouraged participation by the greatest number of workers, including those normally least likely to participate in such programs. Michie and colleagues (2011) CALO-RE taxonomy of effective BCTs for physical activity and nutrition and Prochaska and Di Clemente’s (1982) Stages of Change theory were applied to the development of the program. The program involves a clustered randomized-control trial in which SMS messages are either semi-tailored (based on stage of change), generic or absent. The database of messages was developed through a process of literature review, data base development, modified Delphi technique, and pilot testing with 48 target participants. The implications of this program are two-fold: greater understanding of the issues of health promotion among shift-workers; and further understanding of the effect of tailored versus generic health promotion programs