A process model of health consciousness: Its application to the prevention of workplace prescription drug misuse

The concept of health consciousness (HC), previously studied as a dispositional construct, holds promise for brief prevention training in work settings. The current study developed a more process-oriented model of HC. Employer’s increasing concerns about worker prescription drug (Rx) misuse represents an opportunity to study and improve HC. Two pilot studies delivered a brief training program and assessed short-term, pre- to post–self-reports of factors related to HC. The first pilot (n = 162) attempted to evaluate a stress/resilience program (“Raw Coping Power”) that sought to improve worker ability to recognize and correct unhealthy coping behaviors. A second pilot (n = 114) attempted to evaluate an Rx misuse prevention program that sought to enhance awareness of HC as a protective factor. Both pilots used a driver analysis to examine correlates of improved HC. These correlates included increased confidence in one’s ability to evaluate risks, and awareness of healthy alternatives. Many employees also found the concept of HC useful. Previous writings about HC, in combination with current results, informed the design of a new, process-oriented model of HC. The current paper offers this model and a driver analysis methodology that future researchers can use to further explore and more fully evaluate brief HC interventions in work settings.