Exploring Faculty and Staff PA Barriers at a Large University

Introduction: Physical inactivity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Worksites provide an ideal environment for physical activity (PA) interventions. The aim was to use the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to examine university employees’ perceptions of worksite PA barriers and benefits. Methods: A focus group using the NGT and the Health Belief Model was conducted to assess employees’ perceived susceptibility of physical inactivity, perceptions of barriers and benefits to PA, and cues to action. Results: Findings showed university employees experienced similar barriers to PA as employees in other sectors, including lack of time and knowledge. Participants reported unique benefits to being physical active, notably being physically active allowed them to maintain demanding professional and personal lifestyles. Discussion: Results imply university employees experienced benefits to PA consistent with other worksite populations; the surprising benefits of PA for this population are strong motivators and would provide an excellent basis for interventions. Results also indicate although university employees face similar barriers to PA as other worksites, the unique barriers for this worksite should be the focus for worksite programs for this population. Similarly to the benefits, the unique barriers of this population should influence development of interventions to promote PA on campuses