The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65915

Desiree Backman, DrPH, MS, RD, Cancer Prevention and Nutrition Section, Public Health Institute, 601 N 7th Street, PO Box 942732, MS-662, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320, 916-445-7031, Dbackman@dhs.ca.gov

The purpose of the formative research for the California 5 a Day Worksite Program was to identify worksite-based education, environmental, and policy strategies that will likely increase fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among low- and middle-income working women in California. Following a comprehensive review of the worksite nutrition and physical activity literature, 40 key informant interviews were conducted with a random sample of worksite executives throughout the state. The key informant interviews were conducted to understand employer perceptions of employee health; determine the level of support and lack of support for employee health promotion programs; and identify strategies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in the workplace. Sixteen focus groups were then conducted with low- and middle-income working women and worksite executives to examine factors that would facilitate and impede fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in the workplace and identify ways to build a successful and sustainable worksite program. The findings from the key informant interviews and focus groups demonstrated that the 5 a Day Worksite Program should operate within three domains. First, a worksite-based education and marketing program should be designed to build skills toward healthful behaviors. Second, access to fruits and vegetables and physical activity opportunities should be improved by offering more fruits and vegetables at all food access points and establishing standards that facilitate physical activity throughout the work day. Third, policies should be established to ensure nutrition standards in the workplace and reduce employer liability for physical activity promotion.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to:
• Describe at least five worksite-based education and marketing strategies that will likely motivate low- and middle-income working women to eat more fruits and vegetables and be more physically active.
• Identify at least five worksite-based environmental strategies that will likely improve access to fruits and vegetables and physical activity opportunities for low- and middle-income working women.
• Describe at least three worksite policies that will likely increase fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among low- and middle-income working women.

Keywords: Worksite, Food and Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.