Objectively Measured Total and Occupational Sedentary Time in Three Work Settings

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Sedentary behaviour is a significant risk factor for morbidity.
• Understanding sedentary time patterns in different work settings is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the proportion and factors associated with objectively measured total and occupational sedentary time in three distinct work settings.
• To investigate the prevalence of physical activity and prolonged sedentary bouts during the workday.

Main Methods:

• ActiGraph accelerometers were used to collect data from employees in financial services, research institutes, and construction.
• Occupational and total sedentary time, physical activity levels, and prolonged sedentary bouts (≥30 minutes) were calculated.
• Linear regression analyses identified factors associated with sedentary time.

Main Results:

• White-collar employees (financial services, research institutes) spent 76-80% of occupational time sedentary, with 27-30% in prolonged sedentary bouts.
• Construction workers exhibited lower occupational sedentary time (44%) and prolonged sedentary bouts (7%).
• Low to intermediate education was negatively associated with occupational sedentary time in women.

Conclusions:

• High levels of sedentary behaviour are observed among white-collar employees, especially highly educated women.
• Prolonged sedentary bouts constitute a smaller fraction of total sedentary time.
• Worksite health promotion should prioritize increasing light-intensity physical activity to mitigate sedentary behaviour.