Commuting and Acceptance of Worksite Physical Activity Opportunities: Insights From a French University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Recent research suggests a need for worksite programs that promote structured physical activity (PA) among hospital staff. The objectives of this study were to assess the hospital employees’ acceptance of PA opportunities that could be implemented at the worksite, and the association between worksite PA and commuting and other sociocognitive factors. Method: Acceptance of seven PA opportunities from the WHO guidelines was correlated with commuting and socio-cognitive factors through an online survey conducted among the workforce of the University Hospital of Angers, France ( N = 6874) between April 25 and May 22, 2022. Results: Only three PA opportunities in the seven proposed reached high approval rates among at least 50% of the 1,427 participants, namely, provide cycle facilities onsite, create a fitness room onsite, and establish partnerships with private associations or sports clubs, albeit rates decreased significantly with commuting distance for the first and the last proposals. The number of approved PA opportunities was positively related to the perceived negative influence of commuting on well-being and self-rated concerns with current PA level. It was negatively related to older age, long commuting, and flexible rest days. Conclusion: Based on these results, we recommend raising PA awareness and self-efficacy before implementing an easily accessible fitness center for employees. Providing cycle facilities and a more walkable environment in the hospital setting while encouraging active traveling between home and work for short commuters could additionally increase the level of physical activity on an equitable and sustainable basis.