[Sports medical counseling to promote physical activity in unemployed]. / Sportmedizinische Bewegungsberatung bei Arbeitslosen.

ABSTRACT

Although strong evidence suggests that unemployment increases health risks and physical activity results in significant health benefits, the participation rate in prevention programs among unemployed men is still low. For this reason, a sports medical counseling service was implemented at regional job centers in 2006 to refer unemployed persons into local sports for health programs. The participation rate from 741 long-term unemployed persons was analyzed with respect to gender, health, and physical activity status. Women were more active than men (p = 0.038). Among men, physically active persons differed from non-active persons in BMI, activity status, and self-reported health status (p < 0.05). Especially men with lower fitness, health, and activity status could be motivated for more physical activity (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for program participation of men with lower fitness, health, and activity status is 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.8-4.3) compared to persons with lower risk factors. Sports medical counseling at job centers seems to be a promising and feasible intervention approach.