Job strain, occupation and risk of unhealthy weight in baby boomers and generation x working in south Australia

OBJECTIVE: To examine generational differences in the association between job strain, occupation, psychological distress and the risk of overweight and obesity as defined by high waist circumference ((HWC) ≥95cm (men) and ≥80cm (women)) in Baby Boomers and Generation X. METHODS: In 2011 Boomers (1946-1965;n=874) and Generation Xers (1966-1980;n=768) from wave 3(2008-10) of the North West Adelaide Health Study and wave 2(2007-10) of the Florey Adelaide Male Ageing Study (methodologically similar studies) were recontacted to participate in a telephone survey to explore work related health issues. These data were linked to clinic-measured waist circumference. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted with HWC as the dependant variable. Job strain, occupation and psychological distress were the independent variables. All models adjusted for sex, education and shift work status. Model 1 included generation as a covariate. Model 2 examined only Generation X and Model 3 only Boomers, also adjusting for age. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are reported. RESULTS: Model 1:Boomers demonstrated greater odds of HWC(1.59,1.25-2.02). Model 2:Generation Xers in a low strain(3.33,1.96-5.64) or passive job(1.99, 1.13-3.52), community and personal services workers(2.91,1.13-7.52) and those with psychological distress(2.45,1.39-4.31) had greater odds of HWC. Odds of HWC was less in technicians or trades workers(0.47,0.23-0.96). Model 3:Boomers in a low strain job(0.51,0.29-0.89) had lower risk of HWC. Higher odds for community and personal service workers(2.25,1.05-4.81) of HWC remained. CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate generational differences and suggest occupational groups at greater risk of HWC with potential for intervention in the workplace.