Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Health of Workers in Chile According to the National Health Survey-2017

Sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) are key determinants of health in occupational settings. This study aimed to analyze the levels of SB, PA, and their associations with health outcomes among Chilean workers using data from the National Health Survey-2017.

A secondary analysis of 2042 workers aged ≥18 years was conducted. Occupations were classified using ISCO-08, and SB/PA were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Health outcomes included musculoskeletal symptoms, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk.

Of the participants, 49.8% were women, and the mean age was 45 years (±13.7). The median SB was 120 min/day, with 32.6% accumulating ≥4 h/day. "Managers" exhibited the highest SB (median: 270 min/day). The median total PA was 123 min/day, and "Skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers" reported the highest PA (median: 330 min/day). The SB (≥4 h/day) was significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.21-2.14) and hypertension (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.07-2.18). PA showed no significant protective effect.

SB and PA vary significantly across occupational groups. SB is associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. Health promotion programs should be tailored to specific occupational groups.