title: Health Effects of Vanpooling to Work.
abstract: Shared commutes to work, such as vanpooling, benefit the environment and provide economic gain for riders in terms of fuel costs, parking fees, and personal vehicle wear and tear. Although ride sharing is commonly believed to promote health through stress reduction, published evidence on this topic is limited, and findings vary. This study explored the perceived health and well-being of vanpoolers using a qualitative, descriptive design. Five focus groups of vanpoolers and two individual interviews with drivers were conducted (N=40 participants). Stress, change in sleep patterns, and interpersonal relationships emerged as major themes. Employee insights about the impact of vanpooling on work productivity and how employer commitment to the vanpool program influences the vanpool experience also were important findings.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles wrobbins@sonnet.ucla.edu.
authors.forename: Wendie A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Robbins
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Berman
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: Dawn S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Stone
mesh_terms: D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D004496:Education, Continuing; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D036301:Qualitative Research; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards
keywords: health promotion; mental health; occupational health and safety programs; occupational health and safety team; organizational culture/climate; research; work; work and family balance; workforce