Physical inactivity and other health risks among Australian males in less-skilled occupations.
Male workers in less-skilled occupations have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, compared with higher-skilled workers. A representative population sample of Australian male workers was used to compare physical activity levels and selected cardiovascular disease risk factors in less-skilled versus professional and skilled workers. Workers in the less-skilled occupational categories reported significantly more vigorous work and home-based activity than did those in the professional and skilled categories. In multivariate comparisons, cigarette smoking was the only factor that discriminated between the less-skilled versus the professional and skilled employees. Although worksites can potentially provide health-promoting physical activity options for higher-risk groups, our findings suggest that smoking and possibly overweight are risk factors that are more strongly present in less-skilled occupations.
Veitch
J
J
School of Health Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia.
Salmon
J
J
Clavisi
O
O
Owen
N
N
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009790:Occupations; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors