MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Millennials at work: workplace environments of young adults and associations with weight-related health

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2016

ISSN: 1470-2738; 0143-005X

DOI: 10.1136/jech-2015-205782 [doi]

PMID: 26265679

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe the workplace environments of young adults and examine associations with diet, physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected (2008-2009) from 1538 employed young adult participants in Project EAT (Eating and Activity among Teens and Young Adults), a diverse population-based sample. Survey measures assessed height, weight, diet, moderate-to-vigorous PA, transportation-related PA and perceptions of the workplace food and PA environments (eg, soda availability, coworker support). Healthful characteristics were summed to reflect overall workplace healthfulness. Modified Poisson regression analyses conducted in 2015 identified associations between workplace food and PA environments and diet, PA and BMI. RESULTS: The healthfulness of workplace environments was suboptimal. Greater exposure to healthful workplace characteristics was related to more young adults engaged in favourable diet and PA behaviours and a lower prevalence obesity. For example, adjusted rates of obesity were 24% and 17% among those reporting low (/=3 characteristics) exposure to healthful food environments, respectively (p<0.05). Workplace characteristics independently associated with weight-related outcomes included soda availability, proximity to a fast food outlet, living close to work and perceived ease of eating a healthy diet or being active at work. CONCLUSIONS: A more healthful workplace environment overall, including physical attributes and perceived social norms, may contribute to more favourable weight-related behaviours and lower prevalence of obesity among young adults. Employer-initiated and community-initiated policies may represent one way to create healthier workplace environments for young adults.

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Watts, Allison W.; Laska, Melissa Nelson; Larson, Nicole I; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne

Periodical (Full): Journal of epidemiology and community health

Issue: 1

Volume: 70

Pages: 65-135

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop