A process model of health consciousness: Its application to the prevention of workplace prescription drug misuse

Abstract

The concept of health consciousness (HC), previously studied as a dispositional construct, holds promise for brief prevention training in work settings. The current study developed a more process-oriented model of HC. Employer's increasing concerns about worker prescription drug (Rx) misuse represents an opportunity to study and improve HC. Two pilot studies delivered a brief training program and assessed short-term, pre-to post-selfreports of factors related to HC. The first pilot (n = 162) attempted to evaluate a stress/resilience program ("Raw Coping Power") that sought to improve worker ability to recognize and correct unhealthy coping behaviors. A second pilot (n = 114) attempted to evaluate an Rx misuse prevention program that sought to enhance awareness of HC as a protective factor. Both pilots used a driver analysis to examine correlates of improved HC. These correlates included increased confidence in one's ability to evaluate risks, and awareness of healthy alternatives. Many employees also found the concept of HC useful. Previous writings about HC, in combination with current results, informed the design of a new, process-oriented model of HC. The current paper offers this model and a driver analysis methodology that future researchers can use to further explore and more fully evaluate brief HC interventions in work settings.

Integral Organizational Wellness™: An evidence‐based model of socially inspired well‐being

“…Part 3 further demonstrates the need for efficiency. By listening to the voices of study participants and customers, we: (a) condensed programs from their original longer version to accommodate busy schedules; and also (b) adapted programs to online technologies to improve employee access (e.g., online team resilience; Bennett, Neeper et al., ; prescription drug prevention; Bennett, Lucas et al., ). These compressions follow market trends noted in Part 1 of this paper, where there is increasing interest in mobile applications.…”

“…From 2002 to 2013, working with about a dozen of such agencies across the United States including the National Guard, we learned that the stress management module from the original TA training was the most readily adaptable and of interest to workplaces. We tested this model as part of a new program for small businesses (Choices in Health Promotion; see National Registry of Evidence‐Based Programs and Practices; NREPP, ,b), adapted a new 20‐minute version for the National Guard (Raw Coping Power), and also trained‐trainers in a brief 60‐ to 90‐min “Lunch & Learn.” An initial pre‐post study suggests the new program is promising for improving stress management skills (Bennett, Lucas et al., ). As an additional effort in dissemination, trainers in this model also receive a book that includes additional tools adapted from the TA training (Bennett & Pelletier, 2014).…”

“…These findings—pointing to the utility of the training—are important given that only 10% of these educators indicated that their workplace provided any Rx education to staff. In separate studies, we conducted pre‐and‐post assessments of the program among working employees, as part of a wellness “Lunch & Learn.” Results from two studies showed improved knowledge and self‐efficacy around avoiding Rx (Bennett, Lucas, & Neeper, ; Bennett, Lucas et al., ).…”