Running Head: Socio-Ecological Model: Physical Fitness

Floyd 1

Socio-ecological Model: Physical Fitness

Breana Floyd

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Socio-ecological Model
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According to Healthy People 2020 more than 80 percent of the U.S. population currently

do not meet the standard guidelines set for both aerobic and muscle strengthening activity

(2008). The objective is to increase the proportion of adults who perform a minimum of 2 hours

and 30 minutes of moderate exercise per week and 1 hour and 15 minutes per week of vigorous

exercise (Healthy People 2008). The current 2020 baseline is 43.5% and target is 47.9% with a

goal increase of 10 % (Healthy People 2008). One may have difficulty exercising in leisure time

due to lack of knowledge, attitudes, lack of support, lack of access, lack of agreement towards

government healthcare. In attempt to meet the target goal, Socio-ecological model can be used to

explain current employee leisure time and possible interventions.

The Socio-ecological model can be utilized in order to explain the difficulties of

employee abilities to exercise frequently at the intrapersonal level. There has been an increased

interest within the U.S. toward preventing chronic disease at the individual level. Employees

may feel they do not have adequate knowledge on fitness which can discourage performance.

One may have developed negative attitudes toward fitness because of previous experiences and

past habits. Some may lack the skills needed to be fit due to disability.

The Socio-ecological model can be utilized in order to explain the difficulties of employee

abilities to exercise frequently at the interpersonal level. A lack of social interaction between co

workers can affect physical activity during lunch or work time breaks. Working out alone can

become a barrier for people who are extrovert and are most comfortable exercising with others.

Coworkers, family, or friends that are not engaging in physical activity may deter someone from

being motivated to exercise themselves. Employees with children may be less likely to workout

after work hours if they do not have access to childcare It could be that someone is working most
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of their day and they must take care their elderly parents that need their full attention upon

coming home.

The Socio-ecological model can be utilized in order to explain the difficulties of

employee abilities to exercise frequently at the organizational level. Individuals can be

influenced by their employer on exercising by not having any access to appropriate workout

areas. Some people may not work in a facility that has a company gym or workout room. The

corporation may not have any affiliation to outside gyms; in which the company does not offer

any employee discounts. The company may not be in an area that is safe enough to walk outside

and conduct exercises. Employees can have difficulties exercising if corporations sole focus is to

meet company goals rather than employee health outcomes. Companies that do not have any

health education programs in place can prevent employees from exercising because of the

possibility one does not understand the concept of health and fitness. Stress, anxiety, depression,

and sleep deprivation as a result of work overload can prevent engagement in physical

activities. Corporations that do not offer benefit plans or health insurance can also deter fitness

engagement.

The Socio-ecological model can be utilized in order to explain the difficulties of

employee abilities to exercise frequently at the community level. A lack of community

engagement can prevent people from engaging in increased physical activity. Lack of

community education programs, fundraisers, support, and resources may inhibit adults from

increasing their level of physical activity. The Socio-ecological model can be utilized in order to

explain the difficulties of employee abilities to exercise frequently at the Policy level. Although

the affordable care act is government healthcare available to everyone in the U.S. states are not

required to agree and implement the policy; this can affect one’s engagement in physical activity.
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State preferences not to accept the policy affect the health outcomes of people that without the

governmental insurance would be classified as not covered. People covered under ACA are

receiving various penalties because all states are not in agreement with the policy; thus

negatively affecting the people covered by the insurance.

An intervention would be to motivate states to implement the affordable care act. At the

policy level It currently has a gym membership reimbursement program for employees that are

willing to attend a free educational seminar. It also offers employees incentives that are willing

to complete a health risk assessment. At the Interpersonal level corporations could incorporate a

co-worker fitness partner program wherein coworkers encourage one another to stay fit. At the

organizational level Overstock.com could install corporate fitness breaks in which there are

group exercise classes going on throughout the day and employees have the option to join in.

Lastly, at the Community level have Overstock.com collaborate with community organizations

to host monthly health fairs and exercise classes; in which the worksite community would gather

with other community organizations, members, and leaders.

References

Healthy People 2020. (2014). Physical activity. Healthypeople.gov. Washington, Office of

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: US Department of Health and Human Service.
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McLeroy, K. R., Bibeau, D., Steckler, A., & Glanz, K. (1988). An ecological perspective on

health promotion programs. Health Education & Behavior, 15(4), 351-377.

U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration. (2014). The Affordable

Care Act And Wellness Programs. Retrieved from:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/default/files/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-

sheets/fswellnessprogram.pdf