Primary Prevention of Weight Gain Among New Bus Operators: Results of the "Success & Health Impacts For Transit operators during Onboarding" (SHIFT Onboard) Pilot Study

J Occup Environ Med. 2023 Feb 1;65(2):128-139. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002699. Epub 2022 Sep 8.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to test the feasibility and efficacy of an enhanced onboarding intervention to prevent weight gain and support the early job success of new bus operators.

Methods: Control participants ( n = 9) completed usual practice new employee training and onboarding. Intervention participants ( n = 14) completed five supplemental trainings and four online challenges during their first year. Primary outcomes were body weight, dietary behaviors, physical activity, and sleep duration/quality. Early job success was evaluated with measures of newcomer adjustment.

Results: The difference between intervention and control participants in body weight change at 12-month was -6.71 lb (Cohen's d = -1.35). Differences in health behavior changes were mixed, but newcomer adjustment changes favored the intervention group.

Conclusions: Results support the feasibility of enhanced onboarding for bus operators to prevent worsening health while simultaneously advancing their success as new employees.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Body Weight
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Pilot Projects
  • Primary Prevention
  • Weight Gain*