Impact of health promotional signages on staircase use: An interventional study at a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow

Title : Impact of health promotional signages on staircase use: An interventional study at a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow

Abstract:

Background/Introduction:  Physical inactivity is a major global health issue, ranking as the fourth leading cause of mortality and contributing significantly to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Despite the known benefits of regular physical activity, a large portion of the population remains inactive. In India, high rates of physical inactivity highlight the need for effective public health interventions.

Objectives:  The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of health promotional signages in increasing the use of staircases within a tertiary care hospital setting.

Material and Methods:  This quasi-experimental study took place at a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow. The study observed all passers-by at designated points near an escalator and staircase over 12 months, divided into baseline (Phase I) and intervention (Phase II) phases. During Phase I, stair and elevator usage were recorded without intervention. In Phase II, health promotional signages with motivational messages and images were placed to encourage stair use. Observations were made five days a week during peak hours, with data analysed using Excel and R software.

Results/ Discussion:  During the study, 18,925 individuals were observed. In the pre-intervention phase, out of 7,752 observations, 70.08% used the elevator, and 29.92% used the stairs, showing a strong preference for the elevator. Post-intervention, out of 11,173 observations, 46.62% used the elevator, and 53.38% opted for the stairs. This significant increase in stair usage was consistent across all age groups and genders. The number needed to treat (NNT) was 4-5, meaning for every 4-5 individuals exposed to the signage, 1 person chose the stairs.

Conclusion: Signages as built-in environmental modifications can serve as a cost-effective and simple strategy to promote physical activity in hospital settings. By subtly encouraging stair usage, these signages raise awareness of the benefits of increased physical activity. This approach highlights the potential of strategic environmental changes in promoting healthier behaviours, making it a valuable tool for public health initiatives.

Biography:

Dr. Sumeet Dixit did his MBBS in 2005 and MD (Community Medicine) in 2010 from prestigious JN Medical College, AMU, Aligarh.  He is Currently working as Associate Professor in Community Medicine at Dr. RML Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. He started his career as a Child Survival Coordinator, Purnia division, UNICEF, Bihar. Before joining Dr. RMLIMS, Lucknow in 2017, Dr Dixit had worked at faculty positions in Medical Colleges across Bihar, Uttarakhand and Haryana. In his academic career spanning around 14 years Dr Dixit has authored 22 research papers and authored five chapters in books and training Modules. He has also authored two books highlighting the importance and benefits of ‘Physical Activity’ as sole author and ‘Textbook of Occupational Health’ as co-author. He is state level trainer of IMNCI, CDR and SAANS which are state initiative for Childhood Survival. He has received many awards and appreciations for his research and public health initiatives at many forums.  In 2021, he founded the ‘Society for Promotion of Physical Activity and Health’[SPPAH] and regularly organizes training sessions, community engagement activities and panel discussions, to address Physical Activity and other lifestyle related issues. He is member ‘NCD Working group’ at World federation of public Health Associations (WFPHA). Dr. Dixit envisions a society free from lifestyle related NCDs and is dedicated to this goal through multiple initiatives.