The Moderating Effect of Health Improving Workplace Environment on Promoting Physical Activity in White Collar Employees: A Multi Site Longitudinal Study Using Multi Level Structural Equation Modeling
Objective: This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of health improving workplace environment on relationships between physical activity, self efficacy, and psychological distress. Methods: Data were collected from 16 worksites and 129 employees at two time points. Health improving workplace environment was measured using the Japanese version of the Environmental Assessment Tool. Physical activity, self efficacy, and psychological distress were also measured. Multi level structural equation modeling was used to investigate the moderating effect of health improving workplace environment on relationships between psychological distress, self efficacy, and physical activity. Results: Psychological distress was negatively associated with physical activity via low self efficacy. Physical activity was negatively related to psychological distress. Physical activity/fitness facilities in the work environment exaggerated the positive relationship between self efficacy and physical activity. Conclusions: Physical activity/fitness facilities in the workplace may promote employees' physical activity.
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine