Evaluation of a health education program in increasing bus drivers’ physical activity

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of a health education program and determine whether the provision of health information, decision-making, and consolidation can increase the physical activity of bus drivers. Methods: A total of 113 bus drivers were invited to participate in this study. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention and control. The intervention group received a health education program that consisted of health information provisions, goal setting, self-monitoring practices, and encouragement, as outlined by the researcher. Conversely, the control group only received health information. The outcomes were compared between the groups before and after the intervention. Results: In total, 80 drivers were included in the initial analysis, after excluding those who did not participate in the program because of reasons such as bus driving shifts. The groups showed significant differences in two items included in the evaluation, namely, ‘time management’ and ‘daily activity.’ The responses of 56 drivers who completed all items on the self-monitoring sheets were included in a subsequent analysis. The results revealed significant differences among the groups in four items, namely, ‘consciously walking fast’ and ‘light calisthenics, stretching, and sit-ups.’ Conclusion: The physical activity of the bus drivers increased with the help of the health education program. Moreover, the effectiveness of this health education program was verified through this study.