Changes in work factors and concurrent changes in leisure time physical activity: a 12-year longitudinal analysis

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Longitudinal studies on work factors and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) are scarce.
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between changes in work factors and concurrent changes in LTPA.
• To investigate how specific work conditions influence physical activity behaviors over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 12 years of longitudinal data from the Canadian National Population Health Survey (2000-2010).
• Assessed seven work factors (e.g., skill discretion, psychological demands, work hours) and LTPA levels.
• Employed fixed-effects multinomial logistic models to analyze associations.

Main Results:

• Lower skill discretion, higher psychological demands, higher physical exertion, and longer work hours were associated with decreased odds of becoming more physically active.
• These associations were observed for transitions from inactive to moderately active and active LTPA categories.
• No significant effect modification by age or sex was found.

Conclusions:

• Findings support the hypothesis that adverse changes in work factors can negatively impact LTPA.
• Interventions targeting improvements in work conditions like skill discretion and workload may promote physical activity.
• This research highlights the interconnectedness of work environment and employee health behaviors.