Relationship between Physical Inactivity and Health Characteristics among Participants in an Employee Wellness Program

Objective: To characterize factors associated with physical inactivity among employees with access to workplace wellness program. Methods: We examined data on physical inactivity, defined as exercise less than once a week, from the 2010 health risk assessment completed by employees at a major academic institution (N = 16,976). Results: Among employees, 18% of individuals reported physical activity less than once a week. Individuals who were physically inactive as compared with physically active reported higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.36 [1.23 to 1.51]), fair or poor health status (AOR, 3.52 [2.97 to 4.17]), and absenteeism from work (AOR, 1.59 [1.41 to 1.79]). Overall, physically inactive employees as compared with physically active employees reported more interest in health education programs. Conclusion: Future research is needed to address barriers to physical inactivity to improve employee wellness and potentially lower health utility costs.