| The objective of this secondary data analysis of cross-sectional data was to explore smoking behavior among blue collar workers, especially Operating Engineers (heavy equipment operators). With the guidance of the Health Promotion Model, the specific aims were (1) to determine variables associated with smoking behavior among Operating Engineers, (2) to examine smoking as one of the variables related to sleep quality among Operating Engineers, and (3) to examine smoking as one of the variables related to health-related quality of life among Operating Engineers. Working with Michigan Operating Engineers Local 324, data were collected until a quota of 500 participants was reached in 2008. Two surveys were incomplete, leading to the final sample of 498. Data contained demographic information, health conditions (depressive symptoms and medical comorbidities), health behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, diet, physical activity, and sleep), and health-related quality of life. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data. About 29% of the participants smoked cigarettes and smoking behavior was significantly associated with engaging in other high risk health behaviors (problem drinking, physical inactivity, and a lower BMI). This supported findings from a 2009 NIH meeting on the Science of Behavior Change that risky health behaviors often bundle together. In addition, smokers with nicotine dependence had poorer sleep quality and poor health-related quality of life among Operating Engineers. Considering the bundled health behaviors among smokers, multiple health behavior interventions would be more beneficial for Operating Engineers than single health behavior interventions. When designing multiple health behavior interventions, researchers should consider the pivotal role of smoking behavior in bundled health behaviors and view smoking cessation as a gateway to changing other risky health behaviors. Furthermore, multiple health behavior interventions combined with smoking and other risky health behaviors could improve health-related quality of life among Operating Engineers. |
