Differences in Behavioral Practices of Health Maintenance and Promotion between Knowledge and Manual Workers

Abstract

Introduction: The problem of maintaining and promoting health is relevant for all working citizens, regardless of the form and conditions of their work. A decrease in the mortality rate in the working-age population is one of the priorities of the national demographic policy. Employers shall pay great attention to occupational safety, prevention of occupational injuries and diseases, and work–rest schedule. Routine behavioral practices of employees, however, play an important role in health promotion. At the same time, the form of labor activity affects their attitude to a healthy lifestyle and the respective behavior pattern. The objective of the study was to analyze current differences in behavioral practices of health maintenance and promotion between manual and non-manual workers. Methods: The article is based on the results of the social survey of 1,500 people aged 18 years and older conducted on April 18–27, 2022 in 30 regions of the Russian Federation using the method of an in-home personal interview. Result: The results of the survey revealed different behavioral practices in workers of physical and mental labor. Knowledge workers generally pay more attention to their health: they take dietary supplements and vitamins, have regular health checkup, follow basic principles of a healthy lifestyle, including systematic physical activity, a healthy diet, and rejection of bad habits. Blue-collar workers, however, raise concern as they demonstrate opposite results. Conclusions: The survey findings are of interest in terms of assessing the potential of strengthening health resources of manual and non-manual workers. Measures of health promotion and disease prevention can be more effective if they address both occupational risks and lifestyle behaviors of the workforce.