Differences in Physical Activity Participation Between University Employees With and Without a Worksite Health Promotion Program

The purpose of this study was to assess differences in physical activity (PA) among university employees with and without a formal health promotion program. Three state university campuses without health promotion programs and four campuses with a program participated in this study. PA participation was assessed via survey to all campus employees. PA was compared for those with (n=426) and without a program (n=371). The results indicated that there was no significant difference (p>.05) in the amount of vigorous PA days per week between those with (M=1.87 ± 2.29) and without a program (M=1.6 ± 1.87).There was no significant difference (p>.05) in the amount of moderate PA days per week between those with (M= 2.18 ± 2.43) and without a program (M= 1.88 ± 2.03). There were significant differences (p<.05) for walking days per week, with the employees with a program having the highest number of days (M= 4.06 ± 3.57) compared to those without a program (M= 3.38 ± 2.28). Overall, findings indicate that presence of a health promotion program was only associated with more walking days per week. Therefore, programs must strive to increase moderate intensity PA participation, perhaps through more innovative means, in order to improve the health of their employees. © 2013 Californian Journal of Health Promotion. All rights reserved.