The Effects of Caregiving on Leisure Time Physical Activity in a Cohort of Manufacturing Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract Background While leisure time physical activity (LTPA) has been linked to a myriad of health benefits, many individuals do not get enough LTPA. In this study, we investigated how caregiving responsibilities (for children, adults under age 65, and adults over age 65) affected components of LTPA including exercise, walking, gardening, and housework in a population of manufacturing workers. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed among 857 manufacturing workers who completed a survey assessing caregiving responsibility and LTPA. Linear regression analyses were used to test for associations between caregiving and LTPA. Results We observed that caregivers for children reported significantly (p < 0.05) fewer hours of exercise and walking, but more hours of housework, than non-caregivers. We observed no association between caregiving for adults under age 65 or adults aged 65 and older and exercise or walking. Caring for adults under age 65 was associated with a significant (p < 0.05) increase in hours spent gardening, and caring for adults aged 65 and older was associated with a significant increase in hours spent performing housework. Conclusions We identified associations between caregiving and physical activity in a population of manufacturing workers. Our results support the development of targeted interventions to promote health in working caregiver populations.