Publication: Planning for sedentary behaviour interventions: office workers' survey and focus group responses

McGuckin, Teneale, Sealey, Rebecca, and Barnett, Fiona (2017) Planning for sedentary behaviour interventions: office workers' survey and focus group responses. Perspectives in Public Health. pp. 1-6. (In Press)

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/48107/

Abstract

Aims: As sedentary behaviour is becoming more prominent in office-based work environments, this study aimed to explore office workers' perception of sedentary behaviour, explore potential behavioural strategies to reduce sedentary behaviour in the workplace and identify barriers which may hamper behaviour change.

Methods: A total of 140 office workers were recruited and surveyed from the same workplace. The survey included questions regarding perception of relationship between sitting time and health. Following the survey, 12 employees also participated in focus groups to identify potential sedentary behaviour intervention strategies and barriers. The responses from the survey and focus groups were thematically analysed.

Results: In total, 88% of all participants surveyed agreed that there was a relationship between sitting time and their health. The most prominent theme identified was musuloskeletal complaints followed by general health and weight gain or obesity. The focus groups identified that interventions targeting reducing siting time should include education, supportive and knowledgeable managers, and a variety of behaviour change strategies to address individual preferences and barriers.

Conclusion: Multiple behavioural strategies were identified, which appear to be appropriate for sedentary behaviour change.