The effect of an app-based health intervention on somatic symptoms among employees of the DHL Group: a longitudinal pilot study.

IF 2.6 3区医学 Q2 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health Pub Date : 2025-06-18 DOI:10.1007/s00420-025-02145-8

Naby May, Stefanie Kasten, Thomas Schwan, Matthias Scharle, Andreas Tautz, Stephan Letzel, Pavel Dietz

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Somatic symptoms significantly contribute to absenteeism and healthcare costs, particularly in physically demanding professions such as postal and delivery services. The FC-Fit Challenge, an app-based workplace health intervention, aims to promote healthier lifestyles through personalized feedback, social interaction, and professional guidance, targeting lifestyle changes and reducing somatic symptoms.

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of the FC-Fit Winterchallenge 2021/22 on somatic symptoms over time, considering sociodemographic and work-related differences, and identified predictors of somatic symptoms to inform workplace health strategies.

Methods: A longitudinal design with three measurement points was employed: at the start of the intervention (T1), immediately post-intervention (T2), and three-month follow-up (T3). At T1, 497 participants completed the survey. Sociodemographic and work-related variables, health behaviors, and mental health indicators were analyzed. Multiple regression identified significant predictors of somatic symptoms.

Results: Somatic symptoms significantly decreased post-intervention (T1: 7.0 ± 4.6 vs. T2: 5.9 ± 4.5, p < 0.001), with sustained effects at T3. Women, full-time employees, and administrative staff showed the most pronounced reductions. Predictors of higher somatic symptom severity included female gender, lower education, painkiller use, stress, and burnout, while high physical activity was associated with lower severity. Subgroup analysis revealed variability in intervention effectiveness based on sociodemographic and occupational factors.

Conclusions: The FC-Fit Challenge is a promising, scalable tool for workplace health promotion. Tailoring interventions to specific employee profiles and addressing predictors like stress and burnout can optimize outcomes. Future studies should target underrepresented groups, such as delivery workers, and use randomized controlled designs to validate findings.

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基于app的健康干预对DHL集团员工躯体症状的影响：一项纵向试点研究。

背景：躯体症状在很大程度上导致缺勤和医疗保健费用，特别是在邮政和快递服务等体力要求高的职业中。FC-Fit挑战是一款基于app的工作场所健康干预，旨在通过个性化反馈、社交互动和专业指导，促进更健康的生活方式，以改变生活方式和减少身体症状为目标。目的：本研究评估了FC-Fit冬季挑战2021/22对躯体症状的影响，考虑了社会人口统计学和工作相关的差异，并确定了躯体症状的预测因素，为工作场所的健康策略提供信息。方法：采用纵向设计，有三个测量点：干预开始时（T1）、干预后立即（T2）和三个月随访（T3）。在T1时，497名参与者完成了调查。分析了社会人口学和工作相关变量、健康行为和心理健康指标。多元回归发现躯体症状的显著预测因子。结果：干预后躯体症状显著减少（T1: 7.0±4.6 vs. T2: 5.9±4.5,p）。结论：FC-Fit挑战是一个有前途的、可扩展的工作场所健康促进工具。根据员工的具体情况量身定制干预措施，解决压力和倦怠等预测因素，可以优化结果。未来的研究应该针对代表性不足的群体，如快递工人，并使用随机对照设计来验证研究结果。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 医学-公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生

CiteScore

5.60

自引率

6.70%

发文量

127

审稿时长

3 months

期刊介绍： International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health publishes Editorials, Review Articles, Original Articles, and Letters to the Editor. It welcomes any manuscripts dealing with occupational or ambient environmental problems, with a special interest in research at the interface of occupational health and clinical medicine. The scope ranges from Biological Monitoring to Dermatology, from Fibers and Dust to Human Toxicology, from Nanomaterials and Ultra-fine Dust to Night- and Shift Work, from Psycho-mental Distress and Burnout to Vibrations. A complete list of topics can be found on the right-hand side under For authors and editors. In addition, all papers should be based on present-day standards and relate to: -Clinical and epidemiological studies on morbidity and mortality -Clinical epidemiological studies on the parameters relevant to the estimation of health risks -Human experimental studies on environmental health effects. Animal experiments are only acceptable if relevant to pathogenic aspects. -Methods for studying the topics mentioned above.