Work

Patterns of Instrumental and Informational Workplace Health Support Use Among Hospital Service Workers of Low- to Mid-Socioeconomic Status

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose To examine workplace health supports (WHS) use and sociodemographic and organizational correlates among healthcare workers predominantly of low- to mid-socioeconomic status (SES). Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Large U.S. healthcare system, 2018. Sample 1283 healthcare service workers; 1196 included in final analyses (93.2%). Measures Instrumental and informational WHS use; SES; race; age; shift; sex; obesity; organizational health climate; coworker support; supervisor support. Analysis Pearson point biserial correlations ( r pb ), phi (Φ) statistics, and multivariable negative binomial regression models were used. Interaction terms between organizational health climate and sociodemographic characteristics were tested. Results The median employee used two WHS (one instrumental, one informational). Older age was associated with greater informational WHS use (Φ = .13 to .21), while Black race was associated with greater instrumental WHS use (Φ = .09 to .15). Organizational health climate was modestly associated with healthy eating and physical activity WHS ( r pb = .09 to .11). In adjusted models, age, race, and organizational health climate remained independently associated with WHS use. Modest interaction effects were observed between organizational health climate and race (total and informational models) and sex (total model). Conclusion Differentiating WHS by support type reveals meaningful differences in engagement across worker groups. Findings highlight the importance of organizational context. Results should be interpreted cautiously given the cross-sectional design and self-reported measures.

Source: American Journal of Health Promotion

DOI: 10.1177/08901171261490288

Authors: Ryan J. Walsh, Ryan Colvin, Ann Marie Dale, Rachel G. Tabak, Bradley A. Evanoff

Institution: Washington University in St. Louis

Language: English

Topic: Workplace Health and Well-being

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150