Nursing Assistants’ Response to Participation in the Pilot Worksite Heart Health Improvement Project (WHHIP): A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Despite nursing assistants’ high risk for cardiovascular disease, few studies have aimed to reduce their cardiovascular disease risk. The purpose of this article is to explore factors that facilitated and hindered nursing assistants’ participation in a pilot physical-activity- and diet-focused worksite health promotion program that aimed to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Three focus groups were conducted with 12 (67%) participants of the program. Four themes emerged: motivation to participate in a worksite health promotion program, program participation facilitators, barriers to program participation, and suggestions for future programs. This data can aid future program development.