Cancer-risk-related health behaviors and attitudes of older workers

Background. The National Cancer Institute's Working Well Trial was a randomized controlled trial of a two year, comprehensive, worksite-based cancer control intervention. Methods. Data from 19,582 respondents to the baseline survey were analyzed to determine the relationships between grouped age (18-29, 30-49, 50-54, 55-59, and > 60 years), dietary and smoking behaviors, and attitudes related to participation in health promotion activities. Results. Workers over 50 had more positive health behaviors, stronger beliefs about the value of healthy behavior, and better self- assessed health; they were more likely to hold attitudes associated with participation in worksite health promotion, more positive about work conditions, attributed greater concern about worker health to management, and were more willing to believe that they would be allowed to attend worktime health promotion activities. Conclusions. Age may be an useful variable in targeting worksite cancer control programming. Workers in their 50s could be supported in weight management, since rates of overweight and obesity are higher in this group. Other health behaviors might be addressed for older workers.