Health-related factors associated with mode of travel to work

J Environ Public Health. 2013:2013:242383. doi: 10.1155/2013/242383. Epub 2013 Feb 27.

Abstract

Active commuting (AC) to the workplace is a potential strategy for incorporating physical activity into daily life and is associated with health benefits. This study examined the association between health-related factors and mode of travel to the workplace. Methods. A volunteer convenience sample of employed adults completed an online survey regarding demographics, health-related factors, and the number of times/week walking, biking, driving, and using public transit to work (dichotomized as no walk/bike/drive/PT and walk/bike/drive/PT 1 + x/week). Logistic regression was used to predict the likelihood of each mode of transport and meeting PA recommendations from AC according to demographics and health-related factors. Results. The sample (n = 1175) was aged 43.5 ± 11.4 years and was primarily White (92.7%) and female (67.9%). Respondents reported walking (7.3%), biking (14.4%), taking public transit (20.3%), and driving (78.3%) to work at least one time/week. Among those reporting AC, 9.6% met PA recommendations from AC alone. Mode of travel to work was associated with several demographic and health-related factors, including age, number of chronic diseases, weight status, and AC beliefs. Discussion. Mode of transportation to the workplace and health-related factors such as disease or weight status should be considered in future interventions targeting AC.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Automobile Driving / statistics & numerical data
  • Bicycling / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Employment
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mid-Atlantic Region / epidemiology
  • Motor Activity*
  • Transportation / methods
  • Transportation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Travel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Walking / statistics & numerical data
  • Workplace