Effect of Educational Activity “Armazém da Saúde” in Promoting Healthy Eating and Cancer Prevention in the Workplace

Abstract

Introduction: Educational health interventions in the workplace appear to have a positive impact in promoting the consumption of healthy foods. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the educational activity "The Grocery Store of Health" in the workplace, regarding employees' knowledge of eating guidelines for the prevention of cancer, and motivation for making changes to diet in favor of cancer prevention. Method: Cross-sectional study with 66 employees of a telecommunications company. The age ranged from 19 to 54 years. Knowledge and motivation stages were evaluated by questionnaire administered immediately before and after the activity. The knowledge and motivation stages were evaluated through a questionnaire applied immediately before and after the activity. Results: After the activity, the knowledge of staff about the recommendations for the prevention of cancer through diet increased (P<0.01), except in regards to the consumption of alcohol (P=0.06). There were no significant differences in the motivation stages for changes in the consumption of sugary drinks and fruit and vegetables before and after the activity. Conclusion: The "Grocery Store of Health" in a work environment did not affect people’s intent regarding changes to diet, although it was effective in increasing employees’ knowledge of eating guidelines for the prevention of cancer.