The present study examined the effects of time on healthy behaviors in a healthy worksite population. A general lifestyle model was tested with a mail out survey using a covariance structure model. 739 (74.8%) Children's Hospital employees responded to a 104 item survey.
General health status was measured by three indices: Body Mass Index, number of sick days, and a summary of several questions that asked people how they felt. Healthy behavior and family history were significant predictors of health. Healthy behavior was an underlying latent variable composed of two other latent variables, eating and exercise, and the measured variable smoking. Scales measuring fruit and vegetable consumption, fat, good eating habits and bad eating habits defined healthy eating. Exercise was measured by the amount of physical activity during work, sports, and physical activity during leisure time.
The primary hypothesis in the study was that people, who are stressed and consumed with daily activities, do not have time to eat well and exercise. We defined a frazzle factor composed of four scales: perceived stress, role overload, and time available to cook or to shop. The frazzle factor was negatively related to healthy behavior. As people were more "frazzled" their healthy behavior significantly decreased.
Conclusion. The Lifestyle model supported the concept that multiple roles and a generally "frazzled" lifestyle negatively impact healthy behavior, which subsequently had a negative impact on general health. The study implications suggest opportunities for a number of worksite health promotion activities that could potentially improve health.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe one procedure for conducting successful worksite surveys 2. Recognize the importance of time management in the consideration of health promotion. 3. Evaluate a covariance structure model as a reasonable approach to summarizing survey information
Keywords: Stress, Health Behavior
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.