Heterogeneous effects on body mass index in the "checkup championship": A behavioral science-based health promotion program by health interest level.
Behavioral science principles, including approaches such as gamification, commitment strategies, and nudges, are widely used in health promotion programs to prevent non-communicable diseases. These approaches are expected to influence behavior change regardless of health interest; however, their effectiveness remains unclear. This study evaluated the impact of a behavioral science-based health promotion program on body mass index (BMI) reduction across different levels of health interest.
This study evaluated the "Checkup Championship," a program that applies various behavioral science strategies to improve health checkup results for employees at Hakuhodo DY Group in Japan. Participants in the program in 2020 were compared with non-participants. Health interest was classified as low, middle, or high based on a single-question assessment. A linear regression model analyzed BMI changes between 2019 and 2020, using the inverse probability weighting of propensity scores to adjust for background differences between groups.
A total of 410 participants and 390 non-participants were included in the study. BMI reduction was greater among participants than non-participants (-0.36 kg/m2 vs. -0.12 kg/m2). A significant BMI reduction was observed in the middle (average treatment effect [ATE]: -0.30 kg/m2, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -0.55, -0.06) and low health interest groups (ATE: -0.34 kg/m2, 95 % CI: -0.61, -0.08); however, no clear BMI reduction was seen in the high health interest group.
The "Checkup Championship" demonstrated effectiveness, particularly among individuals with a lower health interest. Health programs incorporating diverse behavioral science strategies may help reduce health disparities.
This study evaluated the "Checkup Championship," a program that applies various behavioral science strategies to improve health checkup results for employees at Hakuhodo DY Group in Japan. Participants in the program in 2020 were compared with non-participants. Health interest was classified as low, middle, or high based on a single-question assessment. A linear regression model analyzed BMI changes between 2019 and 2020, using the inverse probability weighting of propensity scores to adjust for background differences between groups.
A total of 410 participants and 390 non-participants were included in the study. BMI reduction was greater among participants than non-participants (-0.36 kg/m2 vs. -0.12 kg/m2). A significant BMI reduction was observed in the middle (average treatment effect [ATE]: -0.30 kg/m2, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -0.55, -0.06) and low health interest groups (ATE: -0.34 kg/m2, 95 % CI: -0.61, -0.08); however, no clear BMI reduction was seen in the high health interest group.
The "Checkup Championship" demonstrated effectiveness, particularly among individuals with a lower health interest. Health programs incorporating diverse behavioral science strategies may help reduce health disparities.
Authors
Yamada Yamada, Sugimoto Sugimoto, Nagata Nagata, Fukuda Fukuda, Sato Sato, Kondo Kondo
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