Factors Related to Continued Exercise Participation Among Healthy Employed Adults

Despite a high prevalence of work-site wellness programs only 20-50% of participants continue to engage in regular exercise. This study used Pender's theory of Health Promotive Lifestyles to study determinants of exercise. The design consisted of secondary analysis of data, descriptive correlational, and qualitative methods. The midwestern United States was the area where the sample was obtained. A convenience sample of 753 health care worker participants in a wellness program and a random subset of 53 of these participants were used. Exercise prescription used was the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Health screenings (pre-tests) included: carbon monoxide (CO) levels, blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and exercise participation. Descriptive statistics, correlations, log linear analysis, and qualitative analysis were used. Significant positive associations were between exercise success and number of times per week of exercise (r=.315, p=.002) and number of activities (r=.304, p=.027). Log linear analysis determined time and weather as barriers were the most succinct model (Likelihood ratio 5.13 (p=.162)) The variance in exercise behavior appears to be multifactorial. Further study should standardize exercise levels, measures, and determinants (especially social support).

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - University Access Only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate Nursing

Year

1997

Author dc:creator

• Van Ruler, Dawn

Contributors dc:contributor

• William McBreen

• employee health promotion
• employye health and hygiene
• exercise
• Nursing

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 1997 Dawn Van Ruler. All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/905

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openprairie.sdstate.edu:etd-1905