Article Critique: The results of a worksite health promotion programme in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia.
Introduction
The research article entitled “The results of a worksite health promotion program in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia” discusses the impact of a worksite health promotion programme on serum cholesterol and dietary changes among employees over a 2 year period in a city in Malaysia. The study is aimed at analysing the success of such a health promotion program and if it is an effective channel for health promotion for the future.
According to the study forty percent of the Malaysian population are employed, but chronic illness is a significant economic burden (Statistics Department, 2004, Ministry of Health, 2002). Therefore the work
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As each subject has different work styles and habits coupled with a diverse psychological perception towards the nature of their work, it is necessary to determine whether their responses to the health promotion program will bring about the same results or not.
Suitability of the Type of Evaluation used
The measureable data in the study which were the anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist and hip circumference), blood pressure and biochemical measurements (fasting blood glucose and full lipid profiles) were taken from each subject at baseline and at 6-month intervals for 2 years. These results are consistent, stable and dependable and are therefore reliable and valid.
Based on the data presented within the study, there is a noticeable change in health status in all the subjects, but the level of change is varied. The intervention group has significant improvements in lowered cholesterol levels compared to the comparison group. A possible reason for this change was due to the intervention group receiving intensive group counselling on diet, physical activity and cessation of smoking than those from the comparison group. The comparison group was given minimal education on the same lifestyle changes through mail and group counselling. The intervention group showed a statistically
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