Psychosocial working conditions and active leisure-time physical activity in middle-aged us workers

Abstract

Objectives: This study was to examine whether psychosocial work characteristics such as job control, psychological job demands, and their combinations are associated with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in US workers.

Materials and methods: 2019 workers (age range: 32 to 69) from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) II study (2004-2006) were chosen for this cross-sectional study. Job control and job demands were measured by standard questionnaire items. Active LTPA was defined as "moderate or vigorous" level of physical activity.

Results: After controlling for covariates (e.g., age, race, education, income, physical effort at work, obesity, and alcohol consumption), high job control was associated with active LTPA. Active jobs (high control and low demands) and low-strain jobs (high control and high demands), compared to passive jobs (low control and low demands), increased the odds for active LTPA. The associations varied by sex and education level. Job demands alone were not associated with active LTPA.

Conclusions: Having on-the-job learning opportunities and decision authority on their tasks may be conducive to active LTPA in middle-aged US workers.