Abstract
Objective: Understanding gender differences in self-perception of health (SPH) and self-efficacy can inform the design of tailored programs to improve health behaviors. We aimed to assess gender-specific differences in SPH and self-efficacy for maintaining wellness habits at a workplace wellness center. Methods: A workplace wellness center member survey was conducted in 2016. Information about SPH and self-efficacy to maintain wellness habits was assessed. Data were analyzed to assess gender differences in SPH and self-efficacy. Results: The survey was completed by 2784 members (mean age, 49.2 years; 68.2% women). SPH was similar between genders despite more men reporting health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and cigarette smoking. Women had higher self-efficacy about maintaining healthy diet, but the difference was not clinically meaningful. Women had lower self-efficacy in their ability to maintain physical activity. Conclusions: In this large cohort of worksite wellness center members, men and women had similar self-perception of health despite higher disease burden among men. Women had lower self-efficacy in their ability to maintain physical activity level but similar self-efficacy for maintaining healthy diet. These differences may inform the design of tailored wellness programs to meet the needs of both genders.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1129-1135 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | American Journal of Health Behavior |
Volume | 43 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2019 |
Keywords
- Gender
- Health perception
- Self-efficacy
- Wellness
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Social Psychology
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health