Blood Pressure Success Zone: You Auto Know A Worksite-Based Program to Improve Blood Pressure Control Among Auto Workers

Worksite-based wellness programs can be a means to improve employee health awareness and potentially reduce health care costs. The "BP Success Zone: You Auto Know" program was a worksite-based intervention to reduce the incidence of hypertension among auto workers at Chrysler LLC. This 6-month program comprised an intervention consisting of education, awareness, and support intended to intensify the engagement of Chrysler employees at moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk who were not adequately controlling their blood pressure. The 539 participants had systolic blood pressure of ≥ 120 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure of ≥ 80 mmHg, or were told by a health care provider that they had hypertension. Questionnaires compared awareness and knowledge of hypertension and lifestyle choices before and at the end of the intervention. After the 6-month intervention, mean systolic blood pressure had decreased from a baseline value of 133 mmHg to 129 mmHg (P < 0.0001) and mean blood diastolic pressure had decreased from 85 mmHg to 82 mmHg (P < 0.0001). The proportion of participants with controlled blood pressure increased from 52% to 62% (P < 0.0001) over the course of the intervention. Eighty-six percent of the participants reported that the program helped them to better understand and control their blood pressure and 84% reported that they had a better understanding of their treatment options. In conclusion, a program of hypertension awareness, education, and lifestyle modification helped to improve blood pressure control among a group of Chrysler LLC employees.