16 results on '"Ablah, Elizabeth"'
Search Results
2. Building the Worksite Wellness Foundation Infrastructure: A Critical Component of the WorkWell KS Strategic Framework.
- Author
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Honn A, Okut H, Lu KL, Bowen C, Chenault M, and Ablah E
- Subjects
- Humans, Surveys and Questionnaires, Workplace, Health Promotion
- Abstract
Objective: Workplace health programs can be ineffective, and changes are likely to be temporary without first establishing a wellness infrastructure. This study sought to determine whether attending a WorkWell KS Building the Worksite Wellness Foundation (Foundation) workshop enabled worksites to develop this infrastructure., Methods: Survey data were collected from worksites before attending a workshop and approximately 1 year later. Survey items were designed to assess whether the worksite was implementing best practices., Results: In total, 212 worksites participated in a workshop and completed both a baseline and follow-up assessments. At follow-up, more worksites reported having a wellness committee (89.6% vs 59.7%, P < 0.001) and having wellness committee duties included in position descriptions (26.2% vs 6.4%, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: This study suggests that Foundation workshops can support worksites' implementation of best practices to establish worksite wellness infrastructure., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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3. Reliability of an Assessment Tool and Outcomes of a Comprehensive Worksite Wellness Intervention.
- Author
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Ablah E, Kellogg M, Okut H, Usher J, and Lester R
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- Humans, Kansas, Occupational Health, Reproducibility of Results, Health Promotion, Workplace
- Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of a comprehensive worksite-level assessment and identify which worksite wellness best practices were implemented following a workshop., Methods: Kansas worksites attended a WorkWell Kansas Phase I workshop from 2012 through 2014 and completed a 155-item assessment before the workshop and 1 year later. Cronbach alpha measured the internal consistency of the WorkWell KS Phase I Assessment, and McNemar test assessed differences in proportions from baseline to follow-up., Results: Two hundred eighty five worksites completed a baseline assessment, of which, 109 completed the follow-up assessment (32%). The internal consistency of the instrument was 0.96, and worksites reported significant improvements at follow-up from baseline for nine variables., Conclusions: Improvements predominantly included creating a wellness committee, assessing needs, and developing goals. There was a lack of policy and systems level improvements at the worksite.
- Published
- 2020
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4. A Model for Developing Comprehensive Initiatives to Improve the Health of the Worksite: The WorkWell KS Strategic Framework.
- Author
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Ablah E, Wilcox EA, Umansky E, Honn A, O'Malley E, and Usher J
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- Health Promotion trends, Humans, Kansas, Strategic Planning, Workplace statistics & numerical data, Health Promotion methods, Health Status, Workplace standards
- Abstract
Background: Worksite wellness programs that target individual employees, rather than worksites, have demonstrated limited long-term success. The purpose of this overview was to describe the theoretical basis for implementing an effective worksite wellness initiative, WorkWell Kansas (WorkWell KS). WorkWell KS is not a traditional worksite wellness initiative, as its goal is to create healthy worksites, rather than target workers. Methods : The WorkWell KS Strategic Framework is based on academic research that identified successful worksite wellness elements that produce sustainably healthy worksites. The curricula were built around the 3-4-80: three modifiable behaviors (tobacco use, poor access to nutritious foods and beverages, and physical inactivity) contribute to at least four chronic diseases (heart disease, type II diabetes, lung disease, and some cancers), which in turn contribute to approximately 80% of the premature deaths in the United States. Findings : To properly address these modifiable behaviors, the WorkWell KS Strategic Framework was developed to guide worksites to first build a solid worksite wellness foundation, which consists of five elements: the wellness committee, exercising leadership, communications, incentives, and data. Once built, worksites are then encouraged to employ a socio-ecological approach to developing a comprehensive, multi-strategy (information, program, benefit design, policy, and environment) intervention, focusing on one health behavior at a time. Conclusions/Application to Practice : The goal of WorkWell KS was to create healthy worksites, which creates environments for employees to practice these healthy behaviors. Worksite wellness committees, occupational health professionals, and others interested in altering health behaviors at worksites have an opportunity to reframe their approach using this framework.
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- 2020
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5. Innovative recruitment strategies for a comprehensive worksite wellness initiative.
- Author
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Ablah E, Umansky E, Wilcox EA, Usher J, Church J, and Barnes V
- Subjects
- Humans, Kansas, Motivation, Occupational Health, Surveys and Questionnaires, Health Promotion methods, Personnel Selection, Workplace
- Abstract
Recruiting for wellness initiatives is challenging. WorkWell KS, a statewide worksite wellness initiative, offers unique worksite recruitment strategies that may serve as lessons. From 2012 to 2018, WorkWell KS utilized champions, well-connected local leaders, to recruit worksites. A total of 784 worksites were recruited for at least one WorkWell KS workshop. A survey of champions requested identification of strategies, barriers and facilitators for successful recruitment and continued engagement. Forty-three champions reported on recruitment experiences. Sixty-three percent of respondents attributed recruitment success to having funding to complete their work. Face-to-face meetings was the most commonly reported successful strategy. Eighty-six percent of respondents reported that improving employee health was motivation for worksites to participate. Champions with a significant funding incentive for worksites commonly indicated that funding was a motivating factor. The most commonly selected factor for continued engagement was having a worksite staff member with wellness in their job description (67% of respondents). Forty-nine percent of respondents reported worksites' lack of time as a barrier to participation. The WorkWell KS initiative has implemented innovative recruitment methods that leverage well-connected leaders to recruit worksites to participate in a comprehensive worksite wellness initiative. Future worksite-based initiatives may benefit from adopting recruitment strategies presented here., (� The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)
- Published
- 2019
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6. The Cons of Traditional Worksite Wellness Interventions and a Proposed Model.
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Ablah E, Wilcox EA, and Honn A
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- Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, United States, Behavior Therapy methods, Guidelines as Topic, Health Promotion methods, Occupational Health standards, Stress, Psychological therapy, Workplace psychology, Workplace standards
- Published
- 2019
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7. Opportunities for Employers to Support Physical Activity Through Policy.
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Ablah E, Lemon SC, Pronk NP, Wojcik JR, Mukhtar Q, Grossmeier J, Pollack KM, and Whitsel LP
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- Health Behavior, Humans, Occupational Health Services, Organizational Culture, Exercise, Health Promotion, Occupational Health, Policy, Workplace
- Published
- 2019
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8. Worksite Policies for Promoting Physical Activity.
- Author
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Ablah E, Lemon SC, Pronk NP, Wojcik JR, Walker A, Grossmeier J, Pollack KM, and Whitsel LP
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- Communication, Humans, Leadership, Time Factors, United States, Exercise, Health Promotion organization & administration, Policy, Workplace organization & administration
- Published
- 2019
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9. Editor's Desk: Promoting Physical Activity in the Workplace.
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Whitsel LP, Pate RR, Ablah E, Lemon SC, Pronk NP, Wojcik JR, Walker A, Grossmeier J, Pollack KM, Whitsel LP, Bryant CX, Whitsel LP, Arena R, Kaminsky LA, Berrigan D, Katzmarzyk PT, Calitz C, Grossmeier J, Pshock J, Lobelo F, and Pronk NP
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- Humans, United States, Exercise, Health Promotion organization & administration, Workplace organization & administration
- Published
- 2019
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10. Building Capacity Among Laity: A Faith-Based Health Ministry Initiative.
- Author
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Johnston JA, Konda K, and Ablah E
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- Humans, Kansas, Capacity Building, Faith-Based Organizations organization & administration, Health Promotion organization & administration, Protestantism
- Abstract
A systematic review of topic-specific faith-based health programs determined that health outcomes can be improved though faith-based health interventions. A university research team, in partnership with the Kansas United Methodist Church and a United Methodist philanthropy, facilitated planning and development of a statewide initiative to increase the capacity of laity-led health ministry teams. The purpose of this paper is to describe the processes utilized to design and implement an initiative to increase capacity for laity-led comprehensive health ministry among Kansas United Methodist Church congregations and to share the key elements of the initiative.
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- 2018
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11. Effects of an Intervention to Reduce Sitting at Work on Arousal, Fatigue, and Mood Among Sedentary Female Employees: A Parallel-Group Randomized Trial.
- Author
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Mailey EL, Rosenkranz SK, Ablah E, Swank A, and Casey K
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- Adult, Affect physiology, Arousal physiology, Fatigue epidemiology, Fatigue etiology, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Occupational Health, Workplace, Health Promotion methods, Posture, Rest physiology, Sedentary Behavior
- Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether individuals who participated in an intervention to reduce sitting at work would report changes in arousal, fatigue, and mood., Methods: Inactive females with full-time sedentary occupations (N = 49) were randomly assigned to take short, frequent breaks (SBs) or longer, planned breaks (LBs) from sitting each workday for 8 weeks. At baseline and postintervention, participants completed measures of arousal, fatigue, and mood. Within- and between-group changes were examined., Results: SB participants reduced sitting and reported moderate to large improvements in all affective outcomes except calmness (d = -0.44 to -0.82), whereas effect sizes were small for the LB group (d = 0.01 to -0.28). Only changes in negative affect differed between groups (P = 0.045)., Conclusion: This study suggests that taking short, frequent breaks from sitting may be an effective strategy for improving affective outcomes among sedentary female employees.
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- 2017
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12. Early Success Is Vital in Minimal Worksite Wellness Interventions at Small Worksites.
- Author
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Ablah E, Dong F, Konda K, Konda K, Armbruster S, and Tuttle B
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- Adolescent, Adult, Body Mass Index, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Motor Activity, Program Evaluation, Young Adult, Health Promotion organization & administration, Occupational Health Services organization & administration, Workplace organization & administration
- Abstract
Intervention: In an effort to increase physical activity, 15 workplaces participated in a minimal-contact 10,000-steps-a-day program sponsored by the Sedgwick County Health Department in 2007 and 2008. Pedometers were provided to measure participants' weekly steps for the 10-week intervention., Method: Participants were defined as those who completed the preregistration survey and logged at least 1 week of results. Registrants were defined as those who completed a registration survey but did not log any weekly results. The primary dependent variable was whether or not participants achieved weekly success, as measured by achieving at least 70,000 steps in a week. A secondary dependent variable was participants' number of steps each week during the weeks they logged results. Repeated measures logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with weekly success., Results: Of the 2,515 registrants, 1,292 (51%) were participants. The average number of weeks of participation for this 10-week intervention was 5.6 weeks (SD = 3.4). Those from small employers (n < 750) were more likely (OR = 2.0) than those from large organizations (n > 750) to become participants. Participants who achieved at least 70,000 steps in the first week of the intervention were 7.3 times more likely than participants who walked less than 70,000 steps in the first week to achieve 70,000 steps each week for all 10 weeks., Conclusions: Results from implementing a minimal-contact 10,000-step intervention can be maximized by targeting small worksites and supporting employees to achieve 70,000 steps in their first week., (© 2015 Society for Public Health Education.)
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- 2015
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13. Motivating factors for small and midsized businesses to implement worksite health promotion.
- Author
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Witt LB, Olsen D, and Ablah E
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- Costs and Cost Analysis, Decision Making, Health Promotion economics, Humans, Health Promotion organization & administration, Motivation, Occupational Health, Workplace
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Objective: This study explores the decision-making process, including motivating factors, for small and midsized businesses in the Midwest to implement health promotion initiatives., Method: This a replication of a study conducted in the Pacific Northwest. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with key informants from 12 Midwestern metropolitan employers with fewer than 1,000 employees. Informants were interviewed regarding their companies' policies and practices around workplace health promotion programming adoption and valuation., Results: Workplace health promotion adoption at these small and midsized businesses was motivated by three goals: to lower health care costs, to address human relations objectives, and to improve productivity. Low upfront cost was the most frequently considered criterion in choosing which workplace health promotion program to offer. Barriers to implementation included lack of employee buy-in, prohibitive costs, and personnel or time constraints. Aids to implementation included employee buy-in and affordability., Conclusions: This study suggests that cost considerations predominate in the workplace health promotion decision-making process at small to midsized businesses. Furthermore, employee buy-in cannot be underestimated as a factor in successful program implementation or longevity. Employees, along with executives and human resources management, must be appropriately targeted by health promotion practitioners in workplace health promotion efforts.
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- 2013
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14. Early Success Is Vital in Minimal Worksite Wellness Interventions at Small Worksites
- Author
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Ablah, Elizabeth, Dong, Frank, Konda, Kurt, Konda, Kelly, Armbruster, Sonja, and Tuttle, Becky
- Abstract
Intervention: In an effort to increase physical activity, 15 workplaces participated in a minimal-contact 10,000-steps-a-day program sponsored by the Sedgwick County Health Department in 2007 and 2008. Pedometers were provided to measure participants' weekly steps for the 10-week intervention. Method: Participants were defined as those who completed the preregistration survey and logged at least 1 week of results. Registrants were defined as those who completed a registration survey but did not log any weekly results. The primary dependent variable was whether or not participants achieved weekly success, as measured by achieving at least 70,000 steps in a week. A secondary dependent variable was participants' number of steps each week during the weeks they logged results. Repeated measures logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with weekly success. Results: Of the 2,515 registrants, 1,292 (51%) were participants. The average number of weeks of participation for this 10-week intervention was 5.6 weeks (SD = 3.4). Those from small employers (n < 750) were more likely (OR = 2.0) than those from large organizations (n > 750) to become participants. Participants who achieved at least 70,000 steps in the first week of the intervention were 7.3 times more likely than participants who walked less than 70,000 steps in the first week to achieve 70,000 steps each week for all 10 weeks. Conclusions: Results from implementing a minimal-contact 10,000-step intervention can be maximized by targeting small worksites and supporting employees to achieve 70,000 steps in their first week.
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- 2015
- Full Text
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15. Emergency Preparedness Training and Response Among Community Health Centers and Local Health Departments: Results from a Multi-State Survey.
- Author
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Ablah, Elizabeth, Konda, Kelly S., Konda, Kurt, Melbourne, Mollie, Ingoglia, Julie Nelson, and Gebbie, Kristine M.
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COMMUNITY health services , *MEDICAL centers , *MEDICAL emergencies , *EMERGENCY medical services , *MEDICAL partnership , *EMERGENCY management , *MEDICAL care , *PUBLIC health , *HEALTH promotion - Abstract
Due to their access to medically underserved and vulnerable populations, community health centers (CHCs) can play an essential role in emergency response. CHCs often fill this role in partnership with other local health resources, such as local health departments (LHD). Little research has been done to understand the success of these partnerships as it relates to emergency planning and emergency response. This study compares CHC and LHD personnel regarding past, present, and future collaborative preparedness and response activities. Surveys were distributed electronically to 1,265 clinical and clerical staff at LHDs and CHCs in 23 states who met the study criteria. Of the 522 respondents, 287 (55%) reported having engaged in collaborative preparedness activities in general, with CHCs more likely to report partnering than LHDs. LHDs were more likely than CHCs to report taking part in specific preparedness activities, such as planning activities (91, 79%), (χ2(1, N = 280) = 7.395, P < 0.05), mass dispensing drill/exercises (65, 42%), (χ2(1, N = 279) = 14.019, P < 0.001), and communication drill/exercises (69, 47%), (χ2(1, N = 280) = 13.059, P < 0.001). This study suggests that collaborations between CHCs and LHDs in general are occurring, but these general collaboration are not being translated into participation in functional drills or exercises. Additional efforts to ensure a more comprehensive partnership between CHCs and LHDs in emergency preparedness are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
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16. Stress and Presenteeism Among Kansas Hospital Employees: What Stress Reduction Interventions Might Hospitals Benefit From Offering to Employees?
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Huff, Jessica and Ablah, Elizabeth
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CORPORATE culture , *EMPLOYEE attitudes , *HEALTH promotion , *JOB stress , *OCCUPATIONAL health services , *PROBABILITY theory , *STRESS management , *SURVEYS - Abstract
The article discusses research which investigated stress levels of hospital employees in Kansas. Topics explored include the use of the Stanford Presenteeism Scale-6 to evaluate workplace presenteeism and health of these employees, factors which encouraged employees to work such as recognition for a job well done, yoga classes, and flexible work schedule, and the effectiveness of stress reduction strategies such as increase in staffing, exercise therapy, and counselling sessions.
- Published
- 2016
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