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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Elizabeth A. Dodson, MPH, Prevention Research Center, Saint Louis University School of Public Health, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104, 314-977-8102, dodsonea@slu.edu, Sarah L. Lovegreen, MPH, CHES, Prevention Research Center, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104, Michael B. Elliott, PhD, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, Obesity Prevention Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104, Debra Haire-Joshu, PhD, Department of Community Health, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104, and Ross C. Brownson, PhD, Department of Community Health and Prevention Research Center, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104.

INTRODUCTION Because worksites are understudied as venues for physical activity policy interventions, this study examines the association of worksite policies and incentives to physical activity. Meeting recommendations for physical activity is difficult for low-income, rural adults, who have limited access to prevention programs. Because many adults spend at least half of their waking hours at work, worksites have promising potential to assist employees in being active. METHODS Utilizing data from a random-digit-dialed telephone survey conducted in southeast Missouri in 2001 and 2003 (n=977), this study investigates the relationship between meeting physical activity recommendations (30 minutes/day, 5+ days/week) and the presence of safe and accessible stairways and other incentives (e.g. facilities, equipment, financial rewards) at worksites. Logistic regression, adjusted for age, race, gender, and education, was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (aOR, 95%CI). RESULTS Having multiple incentives at worksites was associated with meeting physical activity recommendations through moderate or vigorous activity, specifically the presence of safe and accessible stairways (aOR=1.4, 95%CI=1.1-1.9) and the presence of personal services (fitness testing/counseling) (aOR=1.9, 95%CI=1.2-3.1). Meeting recommendations through walking was associated with worksite support for exercise (aOR=1.7, 95%CI=1.2-2.4), having exercise facilities (gym, locker, shower) (aOR=1.7, 95%CI=1.1-2.8), and equipment (treadmill, weights) (aOR=2.0, 95%CI=1.2-3.5). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of supplementing health promotion information in workplaces with policies and incentives. In particular, consideration should be given to safe and accessible stairways and provision of exercise facilities and equipment. Future interventions should combine policy change with program delivery.

Learning Objectives: Upon presentation completion, session participants will be able to

• Identify three worksite incentives related to meeting physical activity recommendations in rural Missouri populations.
• Describe the public health implications of promoting physical activity in the workplace.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No