Associations of work–family conflicts with food habits and physical activity

Abstract Objective This study examines the relationship between family–work conflicts with food habits and physical activity, and whether the relationship is dependent on family structure and work-related factors. Design and setting Cross-sectional postal surveys were carried out in 2001 and 2002 among employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland, aged 40–60 years (n = 5346, response rate 66%; for women 70% and for men 60%). Dependent variables in logistic regression analyses were nationally recommended food habits and physical activity. Independent variables were work–family conflicts and family–work conflicts. Covariates included age, marital status, number of children, occupational class, working hours, time travelling to work, and physical and mental work load. Results Women reporting strong work–family conflicts were more likely to follow recommended food habits (odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals 1.49 (1.19–1.86)), but this relationship weakened when adjusting for work-related factors (OR 1.20 (0.93–1.55)). Women and men with strong family–work conflicts were less likely to report recommended food habits after adjusting for family structure and work-related factors (women OR 0.75 (0.61–0.92), men OR 0.57 (0.34–0.96)). Women and men with strong work–family conflicts were less likely to follow the recommended amount of physical activity (women OR 0.76 (0.60–0.96), men OR 0.54 (0.34–0.87)). Additionally, women with strong family–work conflicts were less likely to follow the recommended amount of physical activity (OR 0.77 (0.63–0.94)). Adjusting for family and work-related factors did not affect these associations. Conclusions Conflicts between paid work and family life are likely to constitute barriers for a physically active lifestyle and possibly also for healthy food habits. Improving the balance between work and family may provide a route for promoting health-related behaviours.