ABSTRACT
Lack of physical activity along with improper diet, stress, sleep deprivation and habits like smoking negatively affects a corporate employee's long-term well-being. With repeated waves of COVID-19 pandemic happening, the proportion of those working from home in this group is rapidly increasing. It makes them more prone to a sedentary lifestyle thus raising the risk of future cardiovascular issues. Resting Heart Rate (RHR) is an established indicator of cardiac fitness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of minimal lifestyle modification on RHR and thus the cardiac health of corporate employees. The study was conducted on 10 previously sedentary corporate employees who shifted to work from home mode post the pandemic. Participants incorporated a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity into their daily lifestyle according to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). In addition, they were also advised to implement other lifestyle modifications such as dietary alteration, sleep regularity, etc. Measurement of the RHR of each participant was done regularly for a period of three months and an overall analysis was done at the end of the study. A total of 90 data sets were analysed. It was found that RHR decreased in all the participants by the end of the study duration. In addition, it was seen that endurance training combined with other lifestyle modifications gives a greater reduction in RHR in comparison with other modes of exercise. This study concluded that incorporating the WHO recommended physical activity in daily routine greatly helped in improving the cardiac health of previously sedentary work from home corporate employees. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Influenza causes significant mortality and morbidity in the United States (US). Employees are exposed to influenza at work and can spread it to others. The influenza vaccine is safe, effective, and prevents severe outcomes; however, coverage among US adults (50.2%) is below Healthy People 2030 target of 70%. These highlights need for more effective vaccination promotion interventions. Understanding predictors of vaccination acceptance could inform vaccine promotion messages, improve coverage, and reduce illness-related work absences. We aimed to identify factors influencing influenza vaccination among US non-healthcare workers. Using mixed-methods approach, we evaluated factors influencing influenza vaccination among employees in three US companies during April-June 2020. Survey questions were adapted from the WHO seasonal influenza survey. Most respondents (n = 454) were women (272, 59.9%), 20-39 years old (n = 250, 55.1%); white (n = 254, 56.0%); had a college degree (n = 431, 95.0%); and reported receiving influenza vaccine in preceding influenza season (n = 297, 65.4%). Logistic regression model was statistically significant, X (16, N = 450) = 31.6, p = .01. Education [(OR) = 0.3, 95%CI = 0.1-0.6)] and race (OR = 0.4, 95%CI = 0.2-0.8) were significant predictors of influenza vaccine acceptance among participants. The majority had favorable attitudes toward influenza vaccination and reported that physician recommendation would influence their vaccination decisions. Seven themes were identified in qualitative analysis: "Protecting others" (109, 24.0%), "Protecting self" (105, 23.1%), "Vaccine accessibility" (94, 20.7%), "Education/messaging" (71, 15.6%), "Policies/requirements" (15, 3.3%), "Reminders" (9, 2.0%), and "Incentives" (3, 0.7%). Our findings could facilitate the development of effective influenza vaccination promotion messages and programs for employers, and workplace vaccination programs for other diseases such as COVID-19, by public health authorities.
Influenza causes significant mortality and morbidity in the United States (US).The US working-age group (1864-year-old) bears a huge burden of influenza annually.Influenza vaccination coverage in the working-age group is low.Physicians and employers can influence vaccine acceptance of working adults.Employers can consider practical steps, e.g., incentivizing, or offering vaccine onsite.