An Exploratory Study of Manufacturing Employee Interest in Health Promotion Activity in a Rural Region‪.‬

Abstract: Small businesses have not historically had the opportunity or resources to provide health promotion in the workplace. This study investigated the likelihood that employees would participate in health promotion activities in the small manufacturing setting. Two hundred-twenty eight employees from seven small manufacturing sites completed a survey requesting their opinions of 20 health promotion activities (72% return rate). Overall response to participation was moderate, with two of 20 programmatic areas averaging at least a 3.0 rating on a 4.0 scale (retirement planning, stress management). Back injury prevention, cancer prevention, and fitness programs completed the top five programs. Employees over 40, women, and supervisors indicated the greatest likelihood of participation. **********