Workplace health coaching for chronic disease management in a maritime industry workforce: a mixed-methods evaluation.
Workplace health coaching offers a promising approach to support behavior change and manage chronic diseases among working adults. This study evaluates the acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a pilot digitally supported health coaching program implemented in a maritime industry workforce in Singapore.
A pragmatic mixed-methods program evaluation was conducted to examine both clinical outcomes and participant experiences. Quantitative data were collected at baseline and 6 months from 32 participants and included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid profile, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Health-related quality of life was assessed using the SF-12. Open-ended survey responses explored participants' motivation, engagement, and perceptions of program components. Quantitative data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, while participants' qualitative responses were analyzed thematically.
Participants had a median age of 55 years (IQR: 44-61), and 89.1% were male, with representation across port operations, engineering, and administrative roles. Statistically significant improvements were observed in BMI, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. Mental health-related quality of life improved, while HbA1c showed a small but statistically significant increase. Participants highlighted the motivational support structure, personalized guidance and encouragement from health coaches as key facilitators of engagement. Barriers included time constraints, digital fatigue, and usability issues. Participants reported adopting healthier routines and increased self-awareness, but noted difficulties maintaining those changes after the program ended.
Findings suggest the feasibility and potential value of workplace health coaching in supporting employee well-being and chronic disease self-management. The results underscore the role of personalized and relational coaching approaches, and the importance of user-friendly digital tools and sustained support to maintain behavior change in workplace settings.
A pragmatic mixed-methods program evaluation was conducted to examine both clinical outcomes and participant experiences. Quantitative data were collected at baseline and 6 months from 32 participants and included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid profile, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Health-related quality of life was assessed using the SF-12. Open-ended survey responses explored participants' motivation, engagement, and perceptions of program components. Quantitative data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, while participants' qualitative responses were analyzed thematically.
Participants had a median age of 55 years (IQR: 44-61), and 89.1% were male, with representation across port operations, engineering, and administrative roles. Statistically significant improvements were observed in BMI, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. Mental health-related quality of life improved, while HbA1c showed a small but statistically significant increase. Participants highlighted the motivational support structure, personalized guidance and encouragement from health coaches as key facilitators of engagement. Barriers included time constraints, digital fatigue, and usability issues. Participants reported adopting healthier routines and increased self-awareness, but noted difficulties maintaining those changes after the program ended.
Findings suggest the feasibility and potential value of workplace health coaching in supporting employee well-being and chronic disease self-management. The results underscore the role of personalized and relational coaching approaches, and the importance of user-friendly digital tools and sustained support to maintain behavior change in workplace settings.