Physical inactivity and other health risks among Australian males in less-skilled occupations

Male workers in less-skilled occupations have higher rates of cardiovascula r disease, compared with higher-skilled workers. A representative populatio n sample of Australian male workers was used to compare physical activity l evels and selected cardiovascular disease risk factors in less-skilled vers us professional and skilled workers. Workers in the less-skilled occupation al categories reported significantly more vigorous work and home-based acti vity than did those in the professional and skilled categories, In multivar iate comparisons, cigarette smoking was the only factor that discriminated between the less skilled versus the professional and skilled employees. Alt hough worksites can potentially provide health-promoting physical activity options for higher-risk groups, our findings suggest that smoking and possi bly overweight are risk factors that are more strongly present in less-skil led occupations.