Transcript Title:
A study of environmental factors influencing obesity in the workplace Presented by:
Crissy Rowland & Jagdish Khubchandani
Faculty Mentor- Dr. Cecilia Watkins, PhD Western Kentucky University Department of Public Health
Overview A research project that aims to conduct focus groups in an industrial setting which will provide information to design surveys on “employees perceptions of environmental factors that influence obesity at workplace”
Why study obesity epidemic..
• • • Obesity rates Kentucky Ranking in US for obesity statistics Adult State- 25% National- 65% Child State-17% National- 30%
• • Reason for the Study: • • • • Examine the influence of perceptions on obesity at the workplace To conduct research or to document: the effectiveness of physical education programs in reducing obesity increasing activity levels improving fitness encouraging healthy eating
Worksites in USA Institutional Administrative Manufacturing Professional Retail Industry
What contributes to poor lifestyle choices in the Worksite?
• • • • Time Shift Stress Salary • • • Cafeteria Worksite Gym Job Profile
Perceptions: • • Why are they important?
How perceptions and behaviors are connected?
Methodology: Ecological theory
Methodology continued:
Pilot
Conducted at Western Kentucky University with 25 students in a group of 2
Focus groups
Four focus groups of 7 people each
Design
Statewide survey of 5 industries with 2000 survey questionnaires returned
Results Analyzing results Statistical analysis of variables adapted from responses of questionnaires returned from each industry Results Priority wise listing of all issues found in survey
Addressing Issues that we found: Questionnaire points Issues with: Policy Environment Lifestyle
Post Project: Possible interventions Examples: tax break for implementing worksite wellness programs New things: policies, built environment big changes vs. individual changes
Contact Information: Dr. Cecilia Watkins [email protected]
Crissy Rowland [email protected]
Jagdish Khubchandani [email protected]