Environmental correlates of physical activity in Australian workplaces

Jason Bennie; Anna Timperio; David Dunstan; David Crawford; Jo Salmon

doi:10.1108/17538351011031911

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International Journal of Workplace Health Management

ISSN: 1753-8351

Online from: 2008

Subject Area: Health Care Management/Healthcare

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Environmental correlates of physical activity in Australian workplaces

Document Information:
Title:	Environmental correlates of physical activity in Australian workplaces
Author(s):	Jason Bennie, (Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia), Anna Timperio, (Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia), David Dunstan, (Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia, School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia and Vario Health Institute, Edith Cowan University, Caulfield, Australia), David Crawford, (Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia), Jo Salmon, (Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia, and Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia)
Citation:	Jason Bennie, Anna Timperio, David Dunstan, David Crawford, Jo Salmon, (2010) "Environmental correlates of physical activity in Australian workplaces", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 3 Iss: 1, pp.25 - 33
Keywords:	Australia, Exercise, Social environment, Workplace
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/17538351011031911 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Acknowledgements:	The Pedestrian Council of Australia's National Walk Safely to Work Day and its evaluation were funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, Australia. AT, DC and DD are supported by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation; JS is supported by a Heart Foundation and sanofi-aventis Career Development Award.
Abstract:	Purpose – The workplace is an ideal setting to promote physical activity. The purpose of this study is to examine associations with physical activity at and around the workplace. Design/methodology/approach – Participants were recruited from a random sample of employed adults (n=1,107) in capital cities and major regional centres in Australia. Self-reported barriers and participation in physical activity at and around the workplace were assessed. A multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for age, sex, occupational status, and overall physical activity assessed the odds of being active in this setting. Findings – Of participants, 61 percent perceived being active in the workplace. Those who perceived their work colleagues and managers to be physically active, and those who indicated that their workplace provides facilities to support them being active had higher odds of being physically active at or around the workplace. Research limitations/implications – A poor response rate, physically active sample and cross-sectional analysis prevent inferences about the causality of the findings. Originality/value – The paper provides evidence of the potential for the multiple levels of influence on physical activity at and around the workplace.