2025 Volume 23 Issue 2 Pages 59-78
Health behavior interventions targeting noncommunicable diseases, such as specific health guidance and tailored programs, have been implemented in Japanese workplaces. However, comprehensive evaluations of these interventions are limited. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of educational intervention programs for noncommunicable disease prevention in the workplace. A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar with keywords such as “workplace,” “noncommunicable diseases,” and “intervention program.” A total of 22 articles were reviewed, 19 were intervention study (pre-post comparison test), and 3 were randomized controlled trials. 20 of them focused on individuals at high risk for noncommunicable diseases, including metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. These reports indicated improvements in weight loss, blood test results, and health behaviors compared to pre-intervention levels. The intervention programs were customized to participants' needs and incorporated a combination of individual and group sessions as well as online approaches. However, most studies evaluated outcomes only within 1 year post-intervention, leaving the long-term sustainability of these improvements unclear. Future intervention programs should focus on promoting long-term health behavior changes through self-management, while addressing factors that influence sustained behavior modification. We recommend creating supportive workplace environments, enhancing communication through social support, and improving health literacy to encourage lasting behavior change.
