The PHLAME firefighters' study: Feasibility and findings

Objective: To assess efficacy of 2 worksite health promotion interventions. Methods: Randomly assign 3 fire stations to (a) team-based curriculum, (b) individual counselor meetings, and (c) control. Results: Both interventions were feasible and acceptable, and they resulted in significant reductions in LDL cholesterol. The team approach significantly increased coworker cohesion, personal exercise habits, and coworkers' healthy behaviors. The one-on-one strategy significantly increased dietary self-monitoring, decreased fat intake, and reduced depressed feelings. Conclusions: Although both interventions promoted healthy behaviors, specific outcomes differed and reflected their conceptual underpinnings. The team-based curriculum is innovative and may enlist influences not accessed with individual formats.