Changes in the prevalence and characteristics of Ontario workplace health programs: 1989 to 2003

Abstract

Little is known about changes over time in Ontario workplace health programs. In this paper, changes were examined in the prevalence and characteristics of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), drug testing programs (DTP) and Health Promotion Programs (HPPs) in Ontario from 1989 to 2003. Methods: Results from a representative survey of worksites with 100 or more employees conducted in 2003 were compared with the results from two other similar surveys conducted in 1989 and 1993. Results: The percentage of Ontario worksites with EAPs increased markedly from 28.2% in 1989 to 66.8% in 2003 (p < .001). In terms of characteristics of EAPs, significantly fewer worksites were actively involved in the management of EAPs in 2003 than in 1989 (p < .0001). As well, more privately contracted treatment services were being utilized in 2003 (p < .0001) and the use of public community service agencies declined significantly (p < .0001). Finally, mandatory management, initiated referral mechanisms significantly declined (p < .01). The prevalence of DTPs increased from 1.8% in 1989 to 4.6% in 2003, but this change was not significant. Significant increases from 1989 to 2003 were found for fitness programs (p < .0001), weight reduction programs (p < .05) and stress management programs (p < .05). Conclusions: The results show a trend towards HPP programs based on philosophies of prevention, early intervention and treatment. Deterrence-based programs, such as drug testing, have remained stable. © 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.