Baseline Health of University Workers Pre-Intervention in Lifestyle: HaSEN

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyse and compare the initial health situation before starting the lifestyle programme in 4 editions of the programme. Theoretical framework: HaSEN is an annual intervention programme for the generation of healthy habits on eating behaviour (psychonutrition) and active lifestyle (physical exercise) in university workers in the contemplative phase of motivation to change. Methods: A total of 74 workers participated between the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions from a Spanish university (24-59 years; M = 42.3; SD = 8.5) 19 men (26%) and 55 women (74%). Anthropometric, biological, lifestyle and psychological variables were analysed. Results and Discussion: Anthropometric, biological, lifestyle and psychological variables were analysed. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the 2021 edition workers at the start of the intervention was found to be higher than in 2019 and achievement motivation higher than in 2020, results that could be related to the special situation derived from the Covid-19 pandemic. Implications of the research: This shows the importance of knowing the baseline health status of workers in behaviours such as those observed in the last edition (2022) in terms of worsening adherence to the Mediterranean diet. This aspect highlights the need to apply interventions such as the HaSEN programme for the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle in terms of nutrition and physical exercise behaviour in the population under study. Originality/value: This study contributes to the scientific literature on public health in the population of university workers. It provides retrospective and prospective information on baseline health status and motivation to change habits to maintain a lifestyle in a working population subjected to high levels of work demands and the implications that this may have on the overall health status of this population.