Volume
38
Issue
4
Abstract
Extension employees, working at the local, regional, or state level, are involved in a profession with many rewards and many stressors. Information pertaining to health and safety risk behaviors was collected using a computerized questionnaire completed by approximately 50% of the state Extension specialists and county agents serving rural and urban communities in a large southern agricultural state. The questionnaire focused on individual health behaviors and perceptions. These included the following categories: overall self-reported physical health status, losses experienced in the last year, satisfaction with life, seatbelt use, driving habits, exercise, alcohol, cigarette use, and food habits. The most serious health risk factors identified by this study were excessive levels of stress, elevated cholesterol levels, and insufficient physical activity (exercise). If left unchecked, these risk factors could have a significant impact on job effectiveness, performance, and quality of life of Extension agents.
Recommended Citation
Smith, S. M., Keel, M., & Ballard, M. (2000). Health and Safety Behaviors: Reduced Risks Promote Health. The Journal of Extension, 38(4), Article 4. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol38/iss4/4
