Michael A. Close, Leslie A. Lytle, Anthony J. Viera, Ding-Geng Chen, Laura A. Linnan and Carmina G. Valle
The purpose of this paper is to identify and characterize patterns of physical activity among office workers employed in largely sedentary occupations at a major health insurer…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify and characterize patterns of physical activity among office workers employed in largely sedentary occupations at a major health insurer located in the Southeastern USA.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used latent class analysis to identify segments of office workers (n=239) based on their self-reported activities of daily living and exercise behaviors. The authors examined the association of demographic characteristics with segment membership, and differences in accelerometer-measured weekly minutes of light and moderate-vigorous physical activity across segments.
Findings
The authors identified two segments and labeled them “exerciser” and “non-exerciser.” Being female was associated with lower odds of membership in the “exerciser” segment (OR=0.18; 95% CI=0.06, 0.52), while those with at least a bachelor’s degree were more likely to be in the “exerciser” segment (OR=2.12; 95% CI=1.02, 4.40). Mean minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week were greater for the “exerciser” segment than the “non-exerciser” segment.
Practical implications
Based on this sample, the authors found that office workers in sedentary occupations were roughly equally divided and distinguished by their engagement in exercise-type behaviors. The findings underscore the need for innovative workplace programming that enhances activity opportunities particularly for those that are not likely to exercise.
Originality/value
A scarcity of research on activity patterns among office workers inhibits development of targeted worksite activity programming. The present research reveals two segments of workers with regard to their activity patterns and suggests ways for worksites to meet their unique needs.
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Michael A. Close, Leslie A. Lytle, Ding-Geng Chen and Anthony J. Viera
This study aims to test the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for explaining intention to eat a healthful diet in a sample of Southeastern US office workers.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to test the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for explaining intention to eat a healthful diet in a sample of Southeastern US office workers.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants in a worksite nutrition study (n = 357) were invited to complete an online questionnaire including measures of TPB constructs at baseline. The questionnaire included valid and reliable measures of TPB constructs: behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, control beliefs, attitudes toward behavior, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and intention. Data were collected from 217 participants (60.8 per cent response rate). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted to test the hypothesized TPB model.
Findings
The model fit was satisfactory (χ2 = p < 0.0001, RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.91, TLI = 0.90, SRMR = 0.09). All structural relationships between TPB constructs were statistically significant in the hypothesized direction (p < 0.05). Attitude toward behavior, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control were positively associated with intention (R2 = 0.56). Of all TPB constructs, the influence of perceived behavioral control on intention was the strongest (β = 0.62, p < 0.001).
Originality/value
Based on this sample of Southeastern US office workers, TPB-based interventions may improve intention to eat a healthful diet. Interventions that strengthen perceived control over internal and external factors that inhibit healthful eating may be particularly effective in positively affecting intention to eat a healthful diet, and subsequent food intake.