title: Physical activity and body mass index: the contribution of age and workplace characteristics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The workplace is an important domain for adults, and many effective interventions targeting physical activity and weight reduction have been implemented in the workplace. However, the U.S. workforce is aging, and few studies have examined the relationship of BMI, physical activity, and age as they relate to workplace characteristics.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper reports on the distribution of physical activity and BMI by age in a population of hospital-based healthcare workers and investigates the relationships among workplace characteristics, physical activity, and BMI.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from a survey of patient care workers in two large academic hospitals in the Boston area were collected in late 2009 and analyzed in early 2013.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In multivariate models, workers reporting greater decision latitude (OR=1.02, 95% CI=1.01, 1.03) and job flexibility (OR=1.05, 95% CI=1.01, 1.10) reported greater physical activity. Overweight and obesity increased with age (p<0.01), even after adjusting for workplace characteristics. Sleep deficiency (OR=1.56, 95% CI=1.15, 2.12) and workplace harassment (OR=1.62, 95% CI=1.20, 2.18) were also associated with obesity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings underscore the persistent impact of the work environment for workers of all ages. Based on these results, programs or policies aimed at improving the work environment, especially decision latitude, job flexibility, and workplace harassment should be included in the design of worksite-based health promotion interventions targeting physical activity or obesity.
authors: Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge. Electronic address: cnelson@hsph.harvard.edu.
authors: Candace C
authors: CC
authors: Nelson
authors: Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington DC.
authors: Gregory R
authors: GR
authors: Wagner
authors: Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge.
authors: Alberto J
authors: AJ
authors: Caban-Martinez
authors: Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston.
authors: Orfeu M
authors: OM
authors: Buxton
authors: New England Research Institutes, Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts.
authors: Christopher T
authors: CT
authors: Kenwood
authors: Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge.
authors: Erika L
authors: EL
authors: Sabbath
authors: Partners Healthcare System, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston.
authors: Dean M
authors: DM
authors: Hashimoto
authors: College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Hopcia
authors: Center for Community Based Research, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Allen
authors: College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
authors: Glorian
authors: G
authors: Sorensen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001900:Boston / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012892:Sleep Deprivation / Q000150:complications; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult