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Weight loss experiences of New Zealand overweight blue and white collar workers: What works for employees?
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Abstracts / Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 12 (2010) e1–e232
resources to promote use of an online Step Log. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of the current online Step Log users to examine the usefulness and usability of the 10,000 Steps online Step Log. In June and July 2006, from a total of over 24,000, a random sample of 663 current users of a online Step Log were sent a web-based survey to determine the efficiency and availability of the 10,000 Steps resources on the 10,000 Steps website for individuals and investigate the characteristics of the current online Step Log users. The response rate was 52.5% representing 348 complete questionnaires. More women (64.1%) are users of the online Step Log than men (35.9%). The average (SD) number of Step Log days for the sample was 169 (228.3). Overall, the proportion of respondents reporting high website usability of the 10,000 Steps website and online Step Log were >84%. A similar amount of current users (>93%) found the online Step Log and steps summary features either useful or very useful. Over 55% of current users who used additional website features such as team challenges, individual challenges, health assessments, daily steps reminder and e-newsletters found these features to be either useful or very useful. Overall, usage of the online Step Log was high within this sample, and participants reported high ratings of website usability. The website and online Step Log seem to have high levels of usability; the results also highlight the usefulness of the features in the online Step Log. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.316 316 Tailoring to promote physical activity and broken sedentary time amongst chronic disease populations C. Short, E. James ∗ , A. Girgis Centre for Health Research and Psycho-Oncology, University of Newcastle Purpose: This poster aims to (a) highlight the need for physical activity (PA) programs that meet the special needs of chronic disease populations; (b) introduce tailored-print interventions as an innovative, theory-based and sustainable intervention option and to c) provide a “how to” guide for tailoring PA programs targeted at chronic disease populations. Background: Regular PA improves health outcomes for individuals with chronic illness. However, it is well established that this population group is less likely to be sufficiently active for health when compared to healthy controls. Sustainable, cost-effective PA programs that are accessible to chronic disease populations are needed. Tailored-print programs that address specific barriers to participation and adherence and that provide iterative feedback about PA behaviour and behaviour change strategies offer an innovative solution. Method: A review of existing tailoring frameworks will be provided with an aim to provide a practical guide for those considering tailoring in a PA context. Together with
a literature review of PA behaviour change strategies this information has been used to create a computer-based tailoring system and will provide a source of case study “how to” examples designed to elucidate how to develop a tailored program. Conclusion: Tailored programs offer an innovative, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to both distance-based generic PA support and less sustainable but effective on-going face-to-face support. This is especially relevant as there is a greater push for PA programs that are both theory and evidence informed. This poster has provided practical information to assist program designers to implement tailored PA interventions. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.317 317 Weight loss experiences of New Zealand overweight blue and white collar workers: What works for employees? C. Zinn ∗ , G. Schofield AUT- CPAN (Centre for Physical Activity & Nutrition Research) Introduction: This qualitative study aimed to investigate the weight loss experiences of overweight workers employed by two companies in Auckland, New Zealand. This information would be used to develop a workplace-based weight loss program. Methodology: Four 45 min focus groups (n = 24) were conducted (two white collar female, one white collar male, one blue collar male). Participants were asked to relay their past weight loss experiences, both positive and negative as well as describe the components they would like to see incorporated into an ideal workplace-based weight loss program. Focus group sessions were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results/Conclusions: Males reported embarking on fad diets and then succumbing to barriers once some initial weight loss was achieved, i.e. not making the time to exercise, not making use of existing exercise equipment due to lack of motivation, injury causing weight regain, feeling hard done by when embarking on a “diet”, and relapsing when weight monitoring ceased. A positive theme included feeling more energised when success was achieved. Females reported greatest weight loss successes when motivated and supported by others—positive experiences with the Weight Watchers program were described. Themes associated with negative experiences included boredom with food choices, the expense involved with certain regimes and the lack of sustainability of yo-yo dieting. The common experience identified by both male and female groups was weight regain, especially after weight loss was achieved by fad diets. Based on these experiences employees described their ideal weight loss plan. A lack of knowledge about how to eat and exercise was identified
Abstracts / Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 12 (2010) e1–e232
by blue-collar males. This group was eager to “do the right thing”, but lacked the support and knowledge required to do so. The main difference between the male and female wishlist for an ideal weight loss program was that males wanted more information on how to lose weight and they wanted to be given a rigid food and exercise plan and instructed to follow it. Females expressed the need for variety with food choices, and placed the need to integrate group support as the most important aspect of a workplace based program for them. In conclusion based on these employees’ previous experiences, key features of a workplace weight loss program would be to incorporate a maintenance and a group support component, personalise the plans, combine both nutrition and exercise in the program, and establish realistic personalised weight related goals. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.318
e153
sures on the land uses and destinations surrounding study participants’ homes and distances to them. Thus, the overall aim of the current study is to verify the accuracy of the RESIDE GIS data sourced from a commercial entity (SENSIS Yellow Pages) in indicating the presence of destinations versus on-the-ground verifications. In addition, it will investigate whether the identification and representation of actual access points that accurately represent the geographic location of an entrance/s to the destinations alters the connectivity outputs (street network distances) between dwellings and specific destinations. GIS data trained researchers are currently conducting field audits of all destinations present in 36 RESIDE estates across the Perth metropolitan area, selected to represent a diversity of estates by size and stage of development. The extent to which destinations are present, absent or are discovered will be presented by type and size of estate. Potential implications for the field’s use of commercial and government-based GIS records will be discussed.
318 doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.319 Fit for purpose? Validating secondary data as objective measures of the neighbourhood environment in physical activity research P. Hooper ∗ , N. Middleton, B. Giles-Corti, M. Knuiman Centre for the built environment and health, School of Population Health, The University of Western Australia Geographic information systems (GIS) data are increasingly being used to explore relationships between aspects of the built environment and physical activity behaviours. However much of the GIS ‘destination’ data are derived from secondary sources such as local government land zoning databases and commercial listings. The suitability and accuracy of these GIS data for research purposes for which they were not specifically developed is relatively unexplored. For example, few studies report validating their GIS data with on-the-ground observations (e.g. destination count and attribute [type] errors). Another issue in the data capture and use of GIS data is the calculation and representation of pedestrian travel opportunities and street network distances to the captured destinations. Typically, the location of the destination, and the point to which all connectivity calculations are based on a single point often geocoded to the centroid of the street address of the ‘destination’ cadastral parcel as a representative location. This fails to take into account the true geographical location of the access point/s (in the case of multiple entrances) to the destination. The suitability and validity of GIS data sources and methods of analyses may potentially bias (positively or negatively) the associations between the built form of the neighbourhood environment and physical activity behaviours. A key objective of the RESIDential Environments Project (RESIDE) in evaluating the impact of the state government’s Liveable Neighbourhoods Community Design Code on the walking and cycling behaviour of local residents, is to develop objective mea-
319 Health and productivity management: The relationship between health behaviour, health risk and productivity in the workforce M. Williden 1,∗ , G. Schofield 1 , C. Soper 2 , H. Badland 1 1 AUT
University Works
2 Vitality
Introduction: Health and productivity management is an emerging concept in business as employers identify that investing in human capital through the implementation of a wellness programme has the potential to save them money in reduced turnover, absenteeism and increased productivity. The purpose of this research is to investigate if employees who report health behaviours often targeted by wellness programmes are more productive than those who do not. Methodology: An online health risk assessment (HRA) tool that measures modifiable health behaviour, health risk and productivity was completed by 330 employees of one organisation. The HRA assesses physical activity, nutrition, sleep, alcohol, smoking and perceived stress and includes the World Health Organisation’s questions on absenteeism and presenteeism. Linear modelling will be used to examine how differences in productivity levels may be explained by differences in health habits. Results/discussion: This presentation will report on the associations found between health risk, health behaviour and productivity. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.320
Abstracts / Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 12 (2010) e1–e232
resources to promote use of an online Step Log. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of the current online Step Log users to examine the usefulness and usability of the 10,000 Steps online Step Log. In June and July 2006, from a total of over 24,000, a random sample of 663 current users of a online Step Log were sent a web-based survey to determine the efficiency and availability of the 10,000 Steps resources on the 10,000 Steps website for individuals and investigate the characteristics of the current online Step Log users. The response rate was 52.5% representing 348 complete questionnaires. More women (64.1%) are users of the online Step Log than men (35.9%). The average (SD) number of Step Log days for the sample was 169 (228.3). Overall, the proportion of respondents reporting high website usability of the 10,000 Steps website and online Step Log were >84%. A similar amount of current users (>93%) found the online Step Log and steps summary features either useful or very useful. Over 55% of current users who used additional website features such as team challenges, individual challenges, health assessments, daily steps reminder and e-newsletters found these features to be either useful or very useful. Overall, usage of the online Step Log was high within this sample, and participants reported high ratings of website usability. The website and online Step Log seem to have high levels of usability; the results also highlight the usefulness of the features in the online Step Log. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.316 316 Tailoring to promote physical activity and broken sedentary time amongst chronic disease populations C. Short, E. James ∗ , A. Girgis Centre for Health Research and Psycho-Oncology, University of Newcastle Purpose: This poster aims to (a) highlight the need for physical activity (PA) programs that meet the special needs of chronic disease populations; (b) introduce tailored-print interventions as an innovative, theory-based and sustainable intervention option and to c) provide a “how to” guide for tailoring PA programs targeted at chronic disease populations. Background: Regular PA improves health outcomes for individuals with chronic illness. However, it is well established that this population group is less likely to be sufficiently active for health when compared to healthy controls. Sustainable, cost-effective PA programs that are accessible to chronic disease populations are needed. Tailored-print programs that address specific barriers to participation and adherence and that provide iterative feedback about PA behaviour and behaviour change strategies offer an innovative solution. Method: A review of existing tailoring frameworks will be provided with an aim to provide a practical guide for those considering tailoring in a PA context. Together with
a literature review of PA behaviour change strategies this information has been used to create a computer-based tailoring system and will provide a source of case study “how to” examples designed to elucidate how to develop a tailored program. Conclusion: Tailored programs offer an innovative, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to both distance-based generic PA support and less sustainable but effective on-going face-to-face support. This is especially relevant as there is a greater push for PA programs that are both theory and evidence informed. This poster has provided practical information to assist program designers to implement tailored PA interventions. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.317 317 Weight loss experiences of New Zealand overweight blue and white collar workers: What works for employees? C. Zinn ∗ , G. Schofield AUT- CPAN (Centre for Physical Activity & Nutrition Research) Introduction: This qualitative study aimed to investigate the weight loss experiences of overweight workers employed by two companies in Auckland, New Zealand. This information would be used to develop a workplace-based weight loss program. Methodology: Four 45 min focus groups (n = 24) were conducted (two white collar female, one white collar male, one blue collar male). Participants were asked to relay their past weight loss experiences, both positive and negative as well as describe the components they would like to see incorporated into an ideal workplace-based weight loss program. Focus group sessions were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results/Conclusions: Males reported embarking on fad diets and then succumbing to barriers once some initial weight loss was achieved, i.e. not making the time to exercise, not making use of existing exercise equipment due to lack of motivation, injury causing weight regain, feeling hard done by when embarking on a “diet”, and relapsing when weight monitoring ceased. A positive theme included feeling more energised when success was achieved. Females reported greatest weight loss successes when motivated and supported by others—positive experiences with the Weight Watchers program were described. Themes associated with negative experiences included boredom with food choices, the expense involved with certain regimes and the lack of sustainability of yo-yo dieting. The common experience identified by both male and female groups was weight regain, especially after weight loss was achieved by fad diets. Based on these experiences employees described their ideal weight loss plan. A lack of knowledge about how to eat and exercise was identified
Abstracts / Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 12 (2010) e1–e232
by blue-collar males. This group was eager to “do the right thing”, but lacked the support and knowledge required to do so. The main difference between the male and female wishlist for an ideal weight loss program was that males wanted more information on how to lose weight and they wanted to be given a rigid food and exercise plan and instructed to follow it. Females expressed the need for variety with food choices, and placed the need to integrate group support as the most important aspect of a workplace based program for them. In conclusion based on these employees’ previous experiences, key features of a workplace weight loss program would be to incorporate a maintenance and a group support component, personalise the plans, combine both nutrition and exercise in the program, and establish realistic personalised weight related goals. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.318
e153
sures on the land uses and destinations surrounding study participants’ homes and distances to them. Thus, the overall aim of the current study is to verify the accuracy of the RESIDE GIS data sourced from a commercial entity (SENSIS Yellow Pages) in indicating the presence of destinations versus on-the-ground verifications. In addition, it will investigate whether the identification and representation of actual access points that accurately represent the geographic location of an entrance/s to the destinations alters the connectivity outputs (street network distances) between dwellings and specific destinations. GIS data trained researchers are currently conducting field audits of all destinations present in 36 RESIDE estates across the Perth metropolitan area, selected to represent a diversity of estates by size and stage of development. The extent to which destinations are present, absent or are discovered will be presented by type and size of estate. Potential implications for the field’s use of commercial and government-based GIS records will be discussed.
318 doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.319 Fit for purpose? Validating secondary data as objective measures of the neighbourhood environment in physical activity research P. Hooper ∗ , N. Middleton, B. Giles-Corti, M. Knuiman Centre for the built environment and health, School of Population Health, The University of Western Australia Geographic information systems (GIS) data are increasingly being used to explore relationships between aspects of the built environment and physical activity behaviours. However much of the GIS ‘destination’ data are derived from secondary sources such as local government land zoning databases and commercial listings. The suitability and accuracy of these GIS data for research purposes for which they were not specifically developed is relatively unexplored. For example, few studies report validating their GIS data with on-the-ground observations (e.g. destination count and attribute [type] errors). Another issue in the data capture and use of GIS data is the calculation and representation of pedestrian travel opportunities and street network distances to the captured destinations. Typically, the location of the destination, and the point to which all connectivity calculations are based on a single point often geocoded to the centroid of the street address of the ‘destination’ cadastral parcel as a representative location. This fails to take into account the true geographical location of the access point/s (in the case of multiple entrances) to the destination. The suitability and validity of GIS data sources and methods of analyses may potentially bias (positively or negatively) the associations between the built form of the neighbourhood environment and physical activity behaviours. A key objective of the RESIDential Environments Project (RESIDE) in evaluating the impact of the state government’s Liveable Neighbourhoods Community Design Code on the walking and cycling behaviour of local residents, is to develop objective mea-
319 Health and productivity management: The relationship between health behaviour, health risk and productivity in the workforce M. Williden 1,∗ , G. Schofield 1 , C. Soper 2 , H. Badland 1 1 AUT
University Works
2 Vitality
Introduction: Health and productivity management is an emerging concept in business as employers identify that investing in human capital through the implementation of a wellness programme has the potential to save them money in reduced turnover, absenteeism and increased productivity. The purpose of this research is to investigate if employees who report health behaviours often targeted by wellness programmes are more productive than those who do not. Methodology: An online health risk assessment (HRA) tool that measures modifiable health behaviour, health risk and productivity was completed by 330 employees of one organisation. The HRA assesses physical activity, nutrition, sleep, alcohol, smoking and perceived stress and includes the World Health Organisation’s questions on absenteeism and presenteeism. Linear modelling will be used to examine how differences in productivity levels may be explained by differences in health habits. Results/discussion: This presentation will report on the associations found between health risk, health behaviour and productivity. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.320