3139.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - 2:45 PM

Abstract #15506

Attitudes, beliefs, and practices about worksite health promotion among managers

Laura A. Linnan, ScD1, Amanda L. Graham, PhD2, Bryan Weiner, PhD3, Karen Emmons, PhD4, Michael Guertin, BA2, and David B. Abrams, PhD2. (1) Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, 310 A Rosenau, CB7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, 919/843-8044, llinnan@sph.unc.edu, (2) Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Brown University, The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Ave - RISE Bldg, Providence, RI 02906, (3) Health Policy and Administration, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, (4) Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Smith Research Building, Rm 268, 1 Jimmy Fund Way, Boston, MA 02115

Although it is well recognized that support from top management is a necessary condition for the success of worksite health promotion programs (HPPs), little attention has been given to the role of middle managers and line supervisors. The present cross-sectional study investigates attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding HPPs among 1719 managers at 26 New England manufacturing worksites. Sixty-six percent of managers (N=1133) completed a six-page written survey prior to randomization of worksites in this 5-year, NCI-funded study that targeted smoking, nutrition, physical activity and sun exposure. Fifteen percent of respondents were senior managers, 49% were middle managers, and 25% were line supervisors. Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences by type of manager, and by the degree to which managers rated HPPs as important. Senior managers (vs. middle managers or line supervisors) were more likely to be active in promoting HPPs (c2=22.36, df=2, p £ .001) and in allowing employees company time to attend HPPs (c2=6.61, df=2, p £ .05). Managers who rated HPPs as highly important were more likely to be active in their support of HPPs (all c2 > 4.00, df=1, all ps £ .05) and to recognize the benefits of HPPs (all c2 > 37.00, df=1, all ps £ .001). Implications of these results for the development of specific interventions to increase management support for HPPs will be shared.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1. state at least three reasons why involving and gaining the support of managers in worksite health promotion programs is important; 2. share three conclusions about difference between managers regarding attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to worksite health promotion programs; 3. describe three possible intervention strategies for gaining manager support for worksite health promotion programs based on these results

Keywords: Health Promotion, Worksite

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA