Perceived Factors Influencing Blue-Collar Workers' Participation in Worksite Health Promotion Programs in Freight Transport: A Qualitative Investigation Using the TDF and COM-B

Blue-collar workers in the freight transport industry report a high risk of developing chronic diseases, partly due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Worksite health promotion programs (WHPPs) may be able to promote a healthier lifestyle, but participation among blue-collar workers in these programs is generally lower than among other workers. The current study aimed to further examine factors that can explain participation of blue-collar workers in these programs. A pragmatic, qualitative study was conducted, and semi-structured interviews were held with 32 blue-collar workers in freight transport in the Netherlands (94% men, 81% driver, mean age 48 (SD = 11)). The interview guide was based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model, and was used to assess perceived determinants that influence participation. A combination of framework analysis and thematic analysis was conducted, which yielded the following nine main themes: (i) not being aware of WHPPs on offer, (ii) no clear picture of what to expect, (iii) (not) giving priority to health, (iv) expecting feedback and practical support, (v) being open and ready to change, (vi) preferring to be self-dependent, (vii) being offered a practical, fun and joint WHPP, (viii) having an employer who cares, thinks along and facilitates participation, and (ix) working and living in an environment in which a healthy lifestyle is not the norm. With these insights we were able to formulate recommendations to enhance the participation of blue-collar workers in WHPPs.

Factors Related to the Intention to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19 in the Province of New Brunswick, Canada

Vaccine refusal by even a small subset of the population can undermine the success of the vaccination campaigns which are currently underway worldwide. The goal of this study was to identify determinants of intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine. More precisely, it aimed at examining whether socioeconomic factors, levels of mistrust toward authorities, perceived scientific consensus, and perceived severity of COVID-19 can predict vaccination intentions against COVID-19. Vaccination intentions included being ready to get vaccinated, contemplating vaccination, and not considering vaccination. A sample of 399 individuals from New Brunswick, Canada, completed an online survey in March and April 2021. Results revealed that participants who declared they would probably get vaccinated were more likely to report lower levels of mistrust toward authorities, as well as higher perceived scientific consensus and perceived severity of COVID-19, compared to those who did not intend to get vaccinated or remained unsure. Strategies to guide healthcare professionals in assisting their patients in making the best healthcare decision for their family and themselves are discussed.

Walking Engagement in Mexican Americans Who Participated in a Community-Wide Step Challenge in El Paso, TX

In the United States, the Latinx population has the highest prevalence of physical inactivity compared with other ethnicities. Research shows that work-based physical activity interventions have been widely implemented in the non-Latinx population and effectively increase physical activity in the non-Latinx population. In an effort to improve physical activity and reduce obesity among the Latinx population, we conducted 10,000 Steps for 100 Days, an employer-based walking challenge campaign, to increase walking engagement among Latinx employees located in El Paso, Texas. Participants reported their number of steps using a pedometer or smartphone. Step counts were collected at baseline, 2 weeks post challenge, and 6 months post challenge. Screenshots of the tracking device were uploaded to an online tracker. Regression analysis was conducted to identify covariates associated with baseline and 2-week and 6-month average daily steps. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were performed to predict steps over time by demographic characteristics. Participation in the 10,000 Steps for 100 Days walking challenge was associated with a sustained increase in average daily steps. Participants with less than 7000 steps per day demonstrated the greatest increase in average daily steps (921 steps at 2 weeks; 1002.4 steps at 6 months). Demographic characteristics were not significant predictors of average steps, except that married participants had higher average steps. Participants with 10,000 or more daily steps had a 51% (p = 0.031) higher chance of having a professional occupation than a non-professional one compared to those with 7000 or fewer daily steps. We provided initial evidence that the walking challenge is an effective approach for improving physical activity in the Latinx population.

Physical Activity Participation After a 16-Week Supervised Workplace Exercise RCT With a 15-Month Follow-Up

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of exercise supervision on short- and longer-term moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) participation.

METHODS

Fifty-six Australian university employees completed a 16-week moderate-to-high intensity aerobic and resistance exercise intervention, and the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) 15 months later. Participants received either personal (SUP; n = 21) or non-personal (NPS; n = 19) exercise supervision at an onsite facility or exercised offsite with no supervision (CON; n = 16).

RESULTS

A linear mixed model identified a significant group × time interaction effect for MVPA, with increases at 15-month follow-up for CON only. Pooled data suggested more participants completed ≥500 MET-minutes of weekly MVPA at 16 weeks (66%) and 15-month follow-up (68%) compared to baseline (54%).

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive health and fitness assessment and individually tailored exercise without personal supervision may promote ongoing MVPA.

An ORBIT Phase 1: Design study of a citywide employer-based walking challenges in a predominantly Mexican American metropolitan area

Most Mexican-Americans do not meet current physical activity recommendations. This paper uses the ORBIT model of obesity intervention development as a framework to outline the process of establishing three employer-based walking challenges in El Paso, Texas, a predominantly Mexican American community. The walking challenges were planned and implemented through the Border Coalition for Fitness and participating partnering organizations. Over 2000 participants and several employers took part in the walking challenges. Results from this ORBIT Phase 1 design intervention suggest that walking challenges are a feasible approach to increase physical activity in Mexican-Americans.

Improving Stage of Change in an Employee Wellness Program

Physical activity readiness of front-line employees caring for adults with disabilities (N = 381) improved during a two-phase project based on stages of change (SOC) theory. In Phase 1, we assessed barriers to, and readiness for, participation in an employee wellness program. We collected data from workers using focus groups and a preintervention physical activity readiness survey. Focus groups (N = 14) identified barriers, including lack of communication about the employee wellness program. With respect to their SOC (N = 82), 7% were in precontemplation, 16% in contemplation, 52% preparation, 5% in action, and 20% in maintenance SOC. In Phase 2, we aimed to improve readiness for participation in the program. We used SOC-based employee Facebook group messages, a health education fair, and measurement through a postintervention physical activity readiness survey. The mean number of "views" in which the workers saw the 16 theory-based messages was 12.2 (range = 0-27). Fourteen adults and 17 children attended the fair. Postintervention survey results (N = 125) indicated physical activity readiness improvement with 1% in precontemplation, 21% in contemplation, 33% in preparation, 33% in action, and 12% in maintenance SOC.

Predictors of Weight Change: Findings From an Employee Wellness Program

Introduction: Employers are instituting employee wellness programs that include educational, lifestyle coaching, and weight and other condition management components to address obesity-related issues in the workplace. However, the findings of such wellness initiatives have been mixed. The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine whether the readiness for change measures are important predictors of weight loss in an employee wellness program. Methods: Retrospective data analysis of an employee wellness program conducted in the United States was conducted using data collected between 2014 and 2015 for people with BMI ≥ 30. These participants were assigned to one of two subprograms: weight management or condition management. We assessed the weight change within each program. Further, the relationship between weight change and readiness for change variables for weight, diet, and physical activity were examined by applying multiple linear regression and logistic regression models. The multivariable model included subprogram; gender; age; systolic and diastolic blood pressure; risk factor count; readiness for change for weight, activity, and diet; and stress level as covariates. Results: There were 209 participants in the weight management program and 243 participants in the condition management program who met the criteria for obesity, resulting in a final sample of 452 participants. On average, the weight change for these participants was -0.28 pounds (SD = 15.55) and there was no statistical difference between the weight change in the two programs. When compared to the reference group (maintenance), participants at the action stage of physical activity, on average, lost weight (b = -4.59, p = 0.02). Likewise, participants at the pre-contemplation stage of physical activity lost weight when compared to the maintenance group (b = -26.24, p = 0.000). Participants at the pre-contemplation stage of physical activity had higher odds of achieving at least 5% weight loss than participants at the maintenance stage (OR = 5.80, p = 0.053). Conclusion: Readiness for change for activity may be a predictor of weight change, and may predict the likelihood of achieving clinically significant weight loss. These findings can assist in targeting subjects for participation in such programs. The findings regarding the relationship between readiness for change and weight loss are counterintuitive, and further research is warranted in this area.

Team Sport in the Workplace? A RE-AIM Process Evaluation of 'Changing the Game'

Background

The workplace is a priority setting to promote health. Team sports can be an effective way to promote both physical and social health. This study evaluated the potential enablers and barriers for outcomes of a workplace team sports intervention programme ‘Changing the Game’ (CTG). This study was conducted in a FTSE 100 services organisation. This process evaluation was conducted using the RE-AIM framework.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was used. Data were collected from the participants in the intervention group prior to, during and at the end of the intervention using interviews (n = 12), a focus group (n = 5), and questionnaires (n = 17). Organisational documentation was collected, and a research diary was recorded by the lead author. The evidence collected was triangulated to examine the reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation and maintenance of the programme. Data was assessed through template analysis, and questionnaire data were analysed using multiple regression and a series of univariate ANOVAs.

Results

CTG improved VO₂ Max, interpersonal communication, and physical activity behaviour (efficacy) over 12-weeks. This may be attributed to the supportive approach adopted within the design and delivery of the programme (implementation). Individual and organisational factors challenged the adoption and maintenance of the intervention. The recruitment and communication strategy limited the number of employees the programme could reach.

Conclusion

The process evaluation suggests addressing the culture within workplaces may better support the reach, adoption and maintenance of workplace team sport programmes. Future research should consider investigating and applying these findings across a range of industries and sectors.

Physical activity stages of change surveillance data shows that the majority of Hawai'i's Keiki (Children) meet the guidelines

Targeting Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) children based on their physical activity (PA) stages of change (SOC) may improve intervention effectiveness. No known SOC surveillance system exists for NHOPI jurisdictions. The purpose was to determine the PA SOC prevalence over 5 years in children living in Hawai'i. Self-reported PA SOC from 5 cohorts (3-6 grade students) in Hawai'i were compared between cohorts and sex. The combined PA SOC distribution (n = 1726, 50.7% female) was: Precontemplation, 7.5%; Contemplation, 7.6%; Preparation, 9.9%; Action, 33.4%; Maintenance, 41.5%. There were no significant difference between cohorts 1 and 2 (n = 258), χ² (16) = 21.75, p = 0.15; 2 and 3 (n = 129), χ² (16) = 17.51, p = 0.35; 3 and 4 (n = 171), χ² (16) = 17.28, p = 0.77; 4 and 5 (n = 129), χ² (16) = 17.51, p = 0.35; and for all cohorts between males and females (p > 0.05). Most participants were in Action and Maintenance. Prevention efforts should emphasize maintaining PA levels. Extending PA behavior surveillance systems to include intention in NHOPI jurisdictions is warranted.