Worksite policies and environments supporting physical activity in midwestern communities.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association of worksite policies and environments to physical activity.


METHODS
Between 2001 and 2003, 977 adults from Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas participated in two random-digit-dialed telephone surveys regarding physical activity behaviors and worksite policies supporting physical activity. Logistic regression was used to investigate relationships between meeting national physical activity recommendations and supportive policies or environmental conditions (e.g., facilities, equipment, financial rewards) at worksites.


RESULTS
Having multiple policies at worksites was associated with meeting physical activity recommendations, specifically the provision of accessible stairways and personal services (e.g., fitness testing, counseling). Meeting recommendations through walking was associated with having exercise facilities (e.g., gym, shower) and equipment (e.g., treadmill, weights).


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the importance of supplementing health promotion information in workplaces with policies and environmental interventions. Particular consideration should be given to accessible stairways for onsite exercise and provision of exercise facilities and equipment. Future interventions should combine policy change with program delivery.
Dodson
Elizabeth A
EA
Saint Louis University School of Public Health/ Community Health, Prevention Research Center, Department of Community Health, 3545 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA. dodsonea@slu.edu
Lovegreen
Sarah L
SL
Elliott
Michael B
MB
Haire-Joshu
Debra
D
Brownson
Ross C
RC
D000328:Adult; D004777:Environment; D015444:Exercise; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016272:Occupational Health; D016134:Organizational Policy; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace
J Occup Environ Med. 2005 Oct;47(10):1051-8
16217246
Am J Health Promot. 2001 May-Jun;15(5):296-320
11502012
Am J Public Health. 2004 Mar;94(3):473-83
14998817
Am J Public Health. 1996 Feb;86(2):206-13
8633737
Am J Prev Med. 1985 Nov-Dec;1(6):9-14
3870927
JAMA. 1995 Feb 1;273(5):402-7
7823386
Am J Prev Med. 2002 May;22(4 Suppl):73-107
11985936
Am J Health Promot. 2007 Jan-Feb;21(3):196-200
17233238
Prev Med. 2005 Nov-Dec;41(5-6):837-42
16256183
Am J Health Promot. 2005 Jan-Feb;19(3):167-93
15693346