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.