Introduction:

Cardiovascular disease is a major public health problem. The workplace is an optimal setting to intervene on cardiovascular risk factors. The aim is to evaluate a group intervention to promote healthy habits (IPHASAL program) through peer support in the workplace.

Method:

The program involved 325 workers in 13 companies with cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, smoking, overweight, physical inactivity). Before and after the program, weight and height, blood pressure were measured and a questionnaire on health habits was administered. The program consisted of training workshops and group sessions in which participants shared experiences, knowledge and progress on healthy habits. The outcome was measured with the Fuster BEWAT Index (FBI), calculated with the score of 5 variables under study: blood pressure, exercise, weight, diet and smoking.

Results:

Participants without exclusion criteria in the project were 273. 79% attended 3 or more workshops and 73.9% attended 3 or more sessions. All FBI parameters improved significantly after the program, with the largest increase in physical activity and the smallest increase in smoking. Total FBI increased by 17.4% (1.5 points), with a higher increase in women (19.6%) than in men (14.0%) and in the youngest group (21.6%).

Conclusions:

The IPHASAL group program is applicable to the workplace and contributes to improving the cardiovascular risk profile, helping workers to promote change towards healthy lifestyles.