Healthy Eating and Leisure-Time Activity: Cross-Sectional Analysis of that Role of Work Environments in the U.S.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between work context and two health behaviors, healthy eating and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), in U.S. adults.

METHODS: Using data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and Occupational Information Network (N = 14,863), we estimated a regression model to predict the marginal and joint probabilities of healthy eating and adhering to recommended exercise guidelines.

RESULTS: Decision-making freedom was positively related to healthy eating and both behaviors jointly. Higher physical load was associated with a lower marginal probability of LTPA, healthy eating, and both behaviors jointly. Smoke and vapor exposures were negatively related to healthy eating and both behaviors. Chemical exposure was positively related to LTPA and both behaviors. Characteristics associated with marginal probabilities were not always predictive of joint outcomes.

CONCLUSION: On the basis of nationwide occupation-specific evidence, workplace characteristics are important for healthy eating and LTPA.