Enhancing Workplace Wellness Efforts to Reduce Obesity: A Qualitative Study of Low-Wage Workers in St Louis, Missouri, 2013–2014

• DOI: 10.5888/pcd12.140405
• Publication Date: 2015-06-30T09:24:02Z
• Authors: Jaime R. Strickland; Amy A. Eyler; Jason Q. Purnell; Anna M. Kinghorn; Cynthia Herrick; Bradley A. Evanoff
• Keywords: Male; Health Behavior; Occupational Health Services; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; Health Promotion; Interviews as Topic; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Surveys and Questionnaires; Humans; Obesity; Exercise; Poverty; Qualitative Research; Original Research; 2. Zero hunger; Missouri; Labor Unions; Health Status Disparities; Focus Groups; 3. Good health; Socioeconomic Factors; 8. Economic growth; Income; Female; Program Evaluation

The objective of this study was to examine workplace determinants obesity and participation in employer-sponsored wellness programs among low-wage workers.We conducted key informant interviews focus groups with 2 partner organizations: a health care employer union representing retail workers. Interviews discussed worksite factors that support or constrain healthy eating physical activity barriers reduce programs. Focus group discussions were transcribed coded identify main themes related eating, activity, affect health.Although the informants recognized need for programs, very few offered because did not know how reach their widespread diverse membership. Informants from organization described various available employees but noted several effective implementation. Workers job characteristics contributed weight; irregular schedules, shift work, short breaks, demands, food options at work most commonly contributors poor exercise behaviors. also general such as motivation, time, money, conflicting responsibilities.The offers unique opportunities interventions go beyond traditional approaches. Our results suggest modifying social environment by using participatory integrated safety approaches may improve However, more research is needed about methods best suited needs