Self-Efficacy, Physical Function, and Healthy Behaviors in Working Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Chronic Disease Management
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Individuals with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) face elevated risks of occupational injuries, reduced work productivity, and premature workforce exit.
• Common MCCs include obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, significantly impacting an individual's work capacity and overall health.
• The interplay between chronic conditions, work environment, and employee well-being is a critical area for occupational health research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between self-efficacy, physical function, and healthy behaviors among working adults with MCC.
• To examine the influence of the work environment, including employment status and job type, on physical function and activity levels.
• To identify potential targets for interventions aimed at improving the work experience and health outcomes for employees with MCC.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 200 working adults diagnosed with obesity and at least one other chronic condition (hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia).
• Data collected included measures of self-efficacy, physical function, eating behaviors, physical activity levels, and work environment characteristics.
• Statistical analyses were performed to determine the relationships between these variables.

Main Results:

• Self-efficacy demonstrated a significant positive correlation with both physical function (p < .001) and healthy eating behaviors (p < .001).
• Full-time employees reported significantly higher levels of physical function compared to part-time employees (p < .001).
• Individuals in active/manual labor roles exhibited higher physical activity levels than those in sedentary positions (p = .001).

Conclusions:

• Enhanced self-efficacy in managing chronic conditions is linked to improved physical function and healthier dietary choices.
• Full-time employment and active job roles are associated with better physical function and higher physical activity, respectively.
• Occupational health nurses play a vital role in supporting employees with MCC by facilitating healthcare access and promoting physical activity, especially for sedentary workers.