Factors associated with male workers' engagement in physical activity: white collar vs. blue collar workers

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with male workers' participation in different kinds of physical activity, noting differences between white collar and blue collar workers. This study examined the variables, perceived health status, self efficacy, perceived barriers, age, education, income, and job category (Pender, 1987) for their association with physical activity. Self efficacy and perceived health status were the cognitive-perceptual factors that predicted physical activity. Job category (e.g., blue collar vs. white collar) was found to be a highly significant predictor of physical activity. Comparing physical job requirements with the individual worker capacity can suggest to the occupational health nurse physical fitness programs that are most appropriate for individual workers.