Point-of-Decision Signs and Stair Use in a University Worksite Setting: General versus Specific Messages

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study tested the effectiveness of two point-of-decision signs to increase stair use and investigated message content by comparing signs with general and specific messages. DESIGN: This study used a quasi-experimental time series design, including a 2-week baseline period: 2 weeks with a general message and 2 weeks with a specific message. SETTING: The signs were placed in an eight-story university building. SUBJECTS: The subjects comprised all adults entering the building. During the study, 2997 observations of stair/elevator choice were made. INTERVENTION: A stair-prompt sign with a general message and a sign with a specific message served as the interventions. MEASURES: Observers measured stair/elevator choice, demographics, and traffic volume. ANALYSIS: Logistic regression analyses were employed, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: The specific sign intervention showed significantly increased odds of stair use compared to baseline (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46-2.84). The odds of stair use were also significantly greater with the specific sign than the general sign (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.13-2.20). CONCLUSION: Only the specific sign significantly increased stair use. The results indicate that a specific message may be more effective at promoting stair use.