Introduction:
Latinos engage in higher levels of occupational physical activity, yet lower levels of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), than other racial/ethnic groups. Limited research has examined specific work-based activities that contribute to lower LTPA among Latinos. The purpose of our study was to examine associations between frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking with LTPA among Latinos.
Hypothesis:
We hypothesized that higher frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking would be associated with lower levels of LTPA among Latinos.
Methods:
We used cross-sectional 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data on employed Latinos ≥18 years of age (n=3,305). We examined two types of work-based activities: frequency of exertion and frequency of standing/walking. Frequency of exertion was assessed based on reported frequency of engaging in repeated lifting, pulling, pushing, or bending at work. Frequency of standing/walking was assessed based on frequency with which their work involved standing or walking around. Responses to work-based activity items were on a Likert scale (0=never, 1=seldom, 2= sometimes, 3=often, 4=always). LTPA was measured based on minutes of moderate-to-vigorous LTPA aerobic physical activity per week, which were categorized into none (0 min/week), some LTPA (>0 min/week of activity but less than recommendation), and meeting the LTPA guideline (≥150 min of moderate-vigorous activity or ≥75 min of vigorous activity or 150 min of moderate activity/week). Multinomial logistic regression models that accounted for the complex survey design of NHIS were used to estimate the associations between frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking with LTPA. All models were adjusted for age, sex, education, shift work, and acculturation proxies (nativity, years living in the US).
Results:
In adjusted models, compared with those who reported never engaging in exertion at work, individuals reporting always exerting themselves at work were significantly less likely to meet the LTPA guideline (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.68, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.50-0.94). In addition, compared with those that reported never standing/walking at work, only those who reported that their job seldom involved standing/walking at work were significantly less likely to meet the LTPA guideline (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.92).
Conclusions:
In conclusion, these findings suggest that work-related physical activities may contribute to LTPA levels among Latinos, and associations vary based on the type of physical activities performed at work. Future physical activity promotion efforts among Latinos should consider the role of worksite policies to promote wellness.
The role of work-related needs in the relationship between job crafting, burnout and engagement
