Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Department

Public Health

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

With people spending a significant portion of their lives in the workforce, workplace health promotion programs are a growing asset in workplaces across the United States. Due to rising health care costs and an increased prevalence of chronic illnesses and diseases, workplace health promotion programs have been suggested to both reduce health care costs for employers and employees as well as curb risky behaviors that lead to chronic illnesses and diseases. In the U.S., policies have long been used to encourage behavioral change. While a significant amount of workplace health research has addressed the fact that written policies are beneficial to a workplace (when implemented and followed), there is little extensive research that has been conducted on written policies at the state level. Using the results of the Kentucky Worksite Assessment as a basis, with components such as tobacco usage, nutrition, physical activity, and lactation support, state legislation was analyzed within respective topics between Kentucky and Colorado. With the inference that health policies could be indicative of overall state health, other indirect factors such as the quality/quantity of health and wellness organizations were also taken into consideration, as they could also be a reflection of the health status of each state.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Dr. Cecilia Watkins, Mrs. Jacqueline Basham, Dr. Christopher Keller

Disciplines

Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | Public Health

Download

Share

COinS