Workplace Physical Activity Research Articles

The Impact of a 12-Week Workplace Physical Activity Program on the Quality of Life of Sedentary Workers: A Pilot Study

Office workers frequently display behavioral patterns marked by extended periods of sedentary and seated work. In this context, the implementation of a workplace exercise program has been shown to be effective in mitigating health-related risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week workplace exercise program on the quality of life of employees whose primary occupational duties involve prolonged sitting. The final sample comprised 19 participants (6 females and 13 males), aged between 21 and 48 years (M = 32.26; SD = 9.03). Among these participants, 78.9% reported engaging in a hybrid work arrangement, 15.8% followed an on-site work regimen, and 5.3% worked remotely. Furthermore, 84.2% of participants reported sitting for 6 to 8 h per day, while 15.8% reported sitting for between 9 and 12 h daily. The quality of life of participants was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. A paired samples t-test was employed to examine differences between dependent variables. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in general health (p < 0.01), vitality (p < 0.01), social functioning (p < 0.05), and the mental health summary measure (p < 0.04). Promoting physical activity through workplace exercise programs offers substantial benefits for workers’ health and quality of life, contributing to the prevention of occupational diseases.

Let’s Get Walking: Establishing Workplace Walking Groups in a regional Public Health Department

Abstract Maintaining staff health and wellbeing (HWB) is an ongoing priority for the Department of Public Health HSE Dublin and Midlands (PHD). This is particularly important in the context of an ongoing programme of reform for Public Health in Ireland. To support this priority, in November 2023 a pilot Workplace Walking Groups initiative was established to increase workplace physical activity and build team relationships. The initiative was designed following staff feedback on team HWB initiatives in September 2023. The Model for Improvement (which includes the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle) was used to take a structured quality improvement approach to the development and evaluation of the 4-week pilot, led by the PHD HWB Committee. Staff joined across 3 sites. Lunchtime walks were arranged for 1-2 days per week. WhatsApp groups and email supported group communication. Quantitative data on registration and attendance were collected via Microsoft Excel. A virtual focus group was arranged to gather participant feedback, which was analysed into themes. Group registration (n = 10, n = 9, n = 5) and weekly attendance varied by site (n = 10, n = 9, n = 5). Key benefits noted by participants included physical activity, building relationships with colleagues, and getting fresh air. The main barrier was the impact of work schedules on attendance. There was broad support for re-establishment of Workplace Walking Groups for 2024. This pilot Workplace Walking Groups initiative achieved its dual aim of increasing physical activity and social connection among staff. Learning from this pilot informed the launch of a 3-month Walking Groups term for Spring 2024. The initiative is now established practice and is a component of the Department’s blended working policy, being a feature of on-site working days. Key messages • Our successful pilot Workplace Walking Groups project has translated into a sustainable health and well-being initiative for staff, during a time of ongoing reform across Public Health in Ireland. • A structured approach to designing and implementing staff health promotion initiatives is crucial to support the cycle of learning and improvement, and to sustain change over time.

A Workplace Physical Activity Intervention and a Smartphone App for Overweight and Obese Sedentary Women.

The sedentary aspects of many U.S. occupations and the amount of time American workers spend in the workplace make it an ideal location to implement health promotion programs. This study assessed the effectiveness of a free smartphone app with a goal-setting feature to increase physical activity (PA) and impact anthropometric, body mass (BM), and body composition (BC) changes among overweight and obese women within a community health workforce. Eighteen overweight and obese (body mass index [BMI] = 32.18 ± 4.48 kg/m2), adult (50.73 ± 8.76 years), female volunteers, tracked daily steps with a free smartphone app (StridekickTM) over an 8-week period. Pre- and post-program body composition (BC) measurements included: relative (%) body fat (BF), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and lean mass (LM), using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA scan), and five anthropometric measurements (biceps, waist, abdomen, hips, and thigh). Pre- to post-program average daily steps resulted in significant anthropometric changes for biceps, hips, and thigh measures, with encouraging changes in FFM, LM, and relative (%) BF. The goal-setting feature of the app did not result in significant differences between the experimental and control groups. No differences were noted in FM, BMI, waist, and abdomen or step goals compared with steps completed. An occupational PA health promotion intervention program that tracked daily steps through the StridekickTM smartphone app resulted in anthropometric, BM, and BC changes. The workplace is an ideal location to affect change in health behaviors via a free smartphone app to increase PA and improve health.

The work Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise program for preventing functional decline in employees aged 55 years and older: development and initial evaluation

BackgroundDespite the global increase in older employees, workplace physical activity interventions (WPAIs) for this target group have not yet been sufficiently developed. The major drawback of existing WPAIs is low adherence due to lack of time or limited motivation. A novel approach could be to integrate tailored neuromotor and strength exercises into everyday working tasks to prevent the functional decline of older employees at the workplace without needing much additional time for training. This approach was tested in the present study by evaluating the proof-of-concept of a novel WPAI based on the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) program integrated into a working environment (wLiFE55 +).MethodsThe proof-of-concept of wLiFE55 + was quantified within a 4-week pre-post exercise intervention study by measuring (1) feasibility including adherence, activity frequency, adverse events and acceptance (integrability of wLiFE55 + activities, perceived improvement and safety, satisfaction, physical demand, personal trainer session, intervention content) and (2) pre-to-post changes in neuromotor function (12-Level Balance Scale, 12-LBS; Community Balance and Mobility Scale, CBM), strength (60sec Chair Stand Test), and PA (1-week activity monitoring). For statistical analysis, the median and interquartile range (IQR) were computed. For pre-to-post changes, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with effect size (r) were also performed.ResultsSeventeen older employees (mean age 59 years, 8 female) were included of which fifteen completed the study. The intervention adherence was 100%, and the activity adherence was 58% (9 out of 12 maximum possible wLiFE55 + activities implemented). Depending on the specific activity, the frequency of practice ranged between 25–75% of the days of the intervention period, and single wLiFE55 + activities were practiced between one and three times per day. No adverse events occurred, and acceptance was high. Pre-to-post increases with medium effect sizes were found for neuromotor function (CBM, 12-LBS) and specific PA variables (total sedentary time, sedentary bouts > 30 min).ConclusionThe results of the study highlight the feasibility of wLiFE55 + in a work setting with older employees. The pre-to-post increases observed in neuromotor measures and reductions in sedentary time suggest that wLiFE55 + may counteract the age-related functional decline in older employees and justifies future studies in this field. The next steps are program adjustments to boost exercise frequency and evaluating wLiFE55 + in a randomized controlled trial.

Workplace health promotion in a continuous Rationalised Hospital sector

The article explores the complexities of implementing health-promoting physical activity within the context of a Norwegian public hospital. Through an extensive case study, it examines the rollout of Active Hospitals, a program crafted in alignment with prevailing best practices in workplace physical activity. Departing from prior studies, the article adopts the perspective of the implementation facilitators. It illustrates how the implementation process faced obstacles stemming from new organizational paradigms, characterized by heightened rationalization, standardization, and perpetual restructuring within the sector. Consequently, the article underscores how reforms associated with New Public Management significantly limits health policies' ambitions to turn the workplace into a health-promoting setting These challenges are particularly pertinent concerning the enduring goals of social sustainability.

Association of frailty with workplace social activity, physical activity, and well-being among older employees: a moderated mediation in two income-variant samples

BackgroundResearch suggests that frailty is associated with lower physical activity and well-being in old age, but social activities at work may facilitate physical activity and its positive effect on well-being among older employees with frailty. This study, therefore, ascertained whether there is a moderated mediation of the association of frailty, Workplace Social Activity (WSA), and well-being by Physical Activity (PA).MethodsThe study adopted a cross-sectional design with relevant sensitivity analyses for confounding. The participants were within two Ghanaian samples with different income levels (low-income, n = 897, and higher income, n = 530). The minimum samples were calculated, and the statistical models were tested with Haye’s Process Model through structural equation modelling.ResultsFrailty was negatively associated with PA, and this relationship was moderated by WSA in both samples. Higher frailty was directly and indirectly associated with lower well-being in the higher-income sample but only indirectly associated with lower well-being in the low-income sample. The mediation of PA in the frailty-well-being relationship is partial in the higher-income sample but complete in the low-income sample. There was evidence of moderated mediation in both samples.ConclusionWSA may reduce the strength of the negative association of frailty with PA and well-being among older employees in both samples. Workplace interventions aimed at enhancing WSA may encourage PA and enhance well-being among older employees with frailty.

Association of accelerometer measured sedentary behavior patterns with cognitive functions in sedentary office workers: Insights from SMART-STEP study

BACKGROUND: High levels of sedentary behavior in workplaces are currently recognized as an independent risk factor for cognitive dysfunction and poor mental health. However, sedentary patterns vary between workdays and non-workdays, which may influence cognitive functions. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to quantify and compare work and nonwork device-measured sedentary time (ST) and its association with cognitive function in Indian office workers. METHODS: In an ongoing randomized controlled trial (SMART-STEP), the baseline data of 136 full-time office workers, including accelerometer-measured sedentary patterns and cognitive functions, were analyzed. The ST was measured using a hip-worn accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) for seven days, and executive functions were measured using computer-based tests. Linear regression models were employed to analyze the relationships between ST and executive function measures. RESULTS: The median daily ST of Indian office workers was 11.41 hours. The ST was greater on both workdays (11.43 hrs.) and non-workdays (11.14 hrs.) though different (F = 6.76, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.032). Office workers accumulate more prolonged sitting bouts (+21.36 min) during work days than non-workdays. No associations between device-measured ST and executive functions were observed. CONCLUSION: Indian office workers exhibited high ST patterns, especially on workdays. Although lower than workdays, Indian office workers exhibited more ST patterns during non-workdays than did their Western counterparts. Culturally adaptable workplace and leisure time physical activity interventions are needed to address the high ST of Indian office workers.

Workplace culture of health and employee physical activity: the moderating effects of gender and depression

IntroductionPromoting physical activity (PA) at work effectively decreases the risk of chronic disease and increases productivity. Despite the well-established benefits of PA, only 24% of adults meet the PA Guidelines for Americans. Advancing a culture of health (COH) may improve employees’ physical activity levels. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of workplace culture of health, gender, and depression on employee physical activity.MethodsEmployees (n = 12,907) across 14 companies voluntarily completed the Workplace Culture of Health (COH) Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), and questions on PA engagement. A logistic regression was performed to determine the effects of workplace COH, gender, and depression risk on the likelihood of engaging in 150 min of moderate to vigorous PA and in strength training 2 × per week.ResultsWorkplace COH scores were associated with increased odds of PA engagement (OR = 1.058, p < 0.001). Further, gender and depression risk moderated the relationship between workplace COH and PA engagement (OR = 0.80, p = 0.026). For employees at risk for depression, an increase in COH scores was associated with higher PA for men, but not women. For employees not at risk for depression, an increase in COH scores was associated with higher PA for males and females.ConclusionEstablishing a health-supportive workplace culture may increase PA, which is essential to improving population health. The differential findings by gender and depression risk illustrate the complexity of PA engagement.

Increasing Employee Physical Activity Using Goal Setting and a Smartphone App.

Physical inactivity is a high-priority public health issue in U.S. worksites. There is evidence that physical activity (PA) goal-setting interventions can be effective. Smartphone apps have also been used to deliver accessible and appealing PA interventions. This article describes the use of goal setting and a no-cost PA smartphone app to pilot an 8-week PA intervention, Project Move 2.0, to increase PA among a nonprofit health and social assistance workforce. The community-based partnership identified intervention strategies that addressed moderators for setting PA goals: feedback, goal commitment, situational factors, and ability. The intervention included the use of a no-cost smartphone app for tracking steps/goal setting, an orientation/health education session, weekly text messages, as well as pre- and post-measures for goal setting for PA behaviors and an intervention evaluation questionnaire. There is limited knowledge on the practical aspects of applying goal setting and the use of a no-cost smartphone app to increase employee PA through a workplace PA intervention. Applying goal setting and the use of a no-cost smartphone app shows promise for workplace health promoters to successfully address employee PA.

What moves truck drivers? A person-centered perspective on workplace physical activity promotion

Objectives. In developing physical activity (PA) promotion measures in the workplace, individual needs of the target groups must be considered. For this reason, this study aimed to qualitatively identify the individual needs for an increase of PA in truck drivers, representing a neglected working group in terms of PA promotion. Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted (N = 19; mean age 50.5 years, SD 11.4 years; 10.5% female). The interview guide was based on the COM-B model to identify needs related to PA behavior in terms of capabilities, opportunities and motivation. The interviews were transcribed and coded by two independent investigators. Results. Altogether, the codes encompassed 395 statements, and the code system contained 14 codes. Three additional codes described further individual needs related to other health behaviors (nutrition, recreation) or external incentives for health interventions. Conclusion. The results reveal a variety of needs that are fundamental to the development of PA-promoting interventions for truck drivers. These needs appear to be closely linked, so a combination of capabilities, opportunities and/or motivation should be considered when developing holistic interventions. An example would be linking automatic motivation and psychological capabilities that encompass motivational techniques combined with information for psychoeducation of truck drivers.

The burden of hypertension, diabetes, and overweight/obesity by sedentary work pattern in Bangladesh: Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18.

Most low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh, are currently undergoing epidemiologic and demographic transitions with an increasing burden of hypertension, diabetes, and overweight/obesity. Inadequate physical activity is a risk factor for these conditions and work-related activities contribute to most of the physical activities in Bangladesh. We investigated the association of the sedentary nature of occupation with hypertension, diabetes, and overweight/obesity in Bangladesh. If a person's systolic/diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose concentration, and body mass index were ≥130/80 mmHg, ≥7 mmol/l, and ≥23 kg/m2, respectively, they were classified as hypertensive, diabetic, and overweight/obese. The nature of occupation/work was classified into three types: non-sedentary workers (NSW), sedentary workers (SW), and non-workers (NW). After describing the sample according to exposure and outcomes, we performed simple and multivariable logistic regression to investigate the association. Among 10900 participants (60.7% females, mean age: 40.0 years), about 43.2%, 13.2%, and 42.8% were NSW, SW, and NW, respectively. NSW, SW, NW, and overall people, respectively, had 6.7%, 14.5%, 11.7%, and 9.9% prevalence rates for diabetes; 18.0%, 32.9%, 28.3%, and 24.4% prevalence rates for overweight/obesity; and 18.0%, 32.9%, 38.3%, and 28.0% prevalence rate for hypertension. SW had higher odds of diabetes (AOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.15-1.81), overweight/obesity (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.52-2.21), and hypertension (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.21-1.77) than NSW. NW had higher odds of diabetes (AOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.19-1.71) or hypertension (AOR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.22-1.56) but not higher odds of overweight/obesity (AOR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.98-1.27) than NSW. We found higher prevalence and odds of the studied conditions among SW than NSW. Workplace physical activity programs may improve the physical activity and health of SW.

Incentivised physical activity intervention promoting daily steps among university employees in the workplace through a team-based competition.

The benefits of walking on health and well-being is well established and regarded as the most accessible form of physical activity (PA) that most individuals can incorporate into their lives. Despite the benefits, the impact of a competitive walking intervention combined with a prize incentive in the workplace is yet to be established. The aim of this intervention was to promote PA among university employees through teams-based competition with a prize incentive targeted towards the recommended 10,000 steps per day. A total of 49 employees participated and formed eight departmental teams ranging from Senior Admin management, Educational & Social work, Nursing & Midwifery, Sport & Exercise, Health Sciences, Admin Assistant, Library, and IT to compete in a walking intervention. Each team was handed an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT from Monday to Friday to record their walking steps. Steps. Post intervention participants completed an open-ended survey to provide their views about the intervention. The ActiGraph findings determined that steps increased by 4,799 per day from daily baseline of 5,959 to 10,758 throughout this intervention. The themes from qualitative data showed that the prize incentive and competitive nature of this intervention has motivated staff to walk more, changed their behaviour, enjoyed the team-based competition, and improved perceived productivity in the workplace. This intervention increased employees' daily steps by 4,799 and met the 10,000 steps guideline. The 'Health Sciences' team recorded the highest steps 531,342 followed by the 'Education and Social Work' accumulating 498,045 steps throughout this intervention. This intervention with prize incentive demonstrated a positive impact on employees personal and work-based outcomes as well as contributed to the workplace PA, health, and wellbeing literature, and more specifically, to the scarce research focused on university settings.

The relationship between workplace toxicity, stress, physical activity and emotional eating

This study examines the relationship between perceived workplace toxicity and stress of employees in the hospitality industry and emotional eating behaviors within the context of their physical activity levels. A cross-sectional design from amongst the quantitative research methods was used, in which data were collected via questionnaires from 846 participants who work in five-star hotels in Alanya, Turkey. The study concluded that workplace toxicity positively predicts stress and emotional eating, and the impact of workplace toxicity on emotional eating occurs via stress. Furthermore, physical activity plays a moderating role in the effect of workplace toxicity and stress on emotional eating. As employees’ physical activity levels drop, the effect of both stress and workplace toxicity on emotional eating significantly increases. These results reveal that physical activity buffers the negative effects of workplace toxicity and stress on emotional eating.

Which factors can be used to persuade managers to start workplace physical activity programmes and what motivates employees to participate? A Hungarian study on goals, effects and motivations

PurposePhysical activity (PA) has been widely studied for its individual and societal benefits, but research on how organisations can effectively promote workplace physical activity (WPA) programmes is lacking. This article aims to examine the organisational-level benefits and value drivers of corporate PA programmes whilst also exploring the factors that motivate employees to participate in these programmes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used the self-determination theory (SDT) and the Hungarian Sport Motivation Scale (H-SMS) – which was modified and validated from the original English SMS scale, which is one of the six most highly cited motivation questionnaires in sports – to assess employees' motivation towards sports. In conjunction, in-depth interviews with company representatives were conducted to create a mind map outlining the impacts and advantages of WPA programmes. The study involved interviews with 13 managers in Hungary and a survey completed by 728 employees.FindingsThe findings of the authors' study indicate that WPA programmes had positive effects on employee engagement, turnover reduction and absenteeism. However, the authors' results also revealed that employee motivation to participate in these programmes was primarily driven by external factors, such as identified and introjected regulators, indicating a low level of intrinsic motivation for sports in the workplace. It is important to classify employees based on their motivation and behaviour to design and promote effective PA programmes in the workplace and to increase participation rates.Originality/valueThe authors' findings indicate the importance of aligning WPA programme promotion with employee motivation. This can encourage organisations to initiate their programmes, address participation challenges and strive for higher engagement rates. Further research on employee motivation can support the development of more effective communication strategies for companies in this context.

Testing the association between shoulder pain prevalence and occupational, physical activity, and mental health factors in two generations of Australian adults

BackgroundShoulder pain is common among the adult population, but it appears to reduce in prevalence around retirement age. Associations between shoulder pain and work-place exposures, physical activity, or mental health status are unclear and may change with age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain in Australian adults across two generations and test the association with occupational factors, physical activity, and mental health.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study we used data from a longitudinal Australian pregnancy cohort (the Raine Study). We analysed data from the children (Gen2) at the 22-year follow-up (N = 1128) and parents (Gen1) at the 26-year follow-up (N = 1098). Data were collected on self-reported shoulder pain, occupational factors (employment status and work description), physical activity, and mental health at the respective follow-ups. Prevalence rates were provided as percentages with 95% confidence intervals. Univariate analysis for group comparisons included chi squared for categorical comparisons. The association of predictor variables and shoulder pain was assessed using logistical regression.ResultsIn Gen1 31.4% of adults aged 40–80 reported the presence of shoulder pain in the last month, with no significant difference between females and males. Gen1 participants younger than 65 reported more shoulder pain (OR[95%CI] = 1.80 [1.04–3.09]). Gen2 females (14.7%) reported shoulder pain in either shoulder more frequently than males (7.7%) and bilateral shoulder pain (8.0%) more frequently than males (1.9%). Gen1 had increased odds of reporting shoulder pain if their work was “physical or heavy manual” compared to “sedentary” (OR [95% CI] = 1.659 [1.185–2.323]) and when categorised with depression (OR [95% CI] = 1.940 [1.386–2.715]) or anxiety (OR [95% CI] = 1.977 [1.368–2.857]). Gen2 participants with depression (OR [95% CI] = 2.356 [1.620–3.427]) or anxiety (OR [95% CI] = 2.003 [1.359–2.952]) reported more shoulder pain.ConclusionOverall, shoulder pain was more prevalent in young females than males and was more prevalent in those under the age of 65. Cross-sectional associations were established between some occupational factors in older adults and depression in all adults, and shoulder pain.

Workplace Health Promotion Programs Targeting Smoking, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The workplace has been highlighted as a potential setting to deliver health promotion programs to target modifiable health behaviors that contribute to chronic disease. This review evaluated the effectiveness of interventions implemented within the workplace that targeted either smoking, nutrition, alcohol, physical activity, and/or overweight and obesity in men. A review protocol was prospectively registered through PROSPERO (CRD42021293398). Five electronic bibliographic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials conducted in the workplace assessing chronic disease risk factors in men from January 2010 to August 2021. Eleven studies were included, reporting on overweight and obesity n = 8, physical activity n = 7, nutrition n = 4, alcohol n = 3, smoking n = 3, with eight studies assessing multiple outcomes. Results were mixed. Narrative synthesis highlighted studies reporting improvements to snacking frequency, sugar sweetened beverage consumption, and physical activity (METs and Vo2 max). Meta-analysis highlighted pooled mean decrease in body weight of -0.28 kg up to 3 months; -1.38 kg for >3 months, and pooled mean decrease in body mass index 0.06 kg/m2 up to 3 months; -0.27 kg/m2 for >3 months. Despite the encouraging direction of the relationship, results were not statistically significant (p > .05). Findings underscore the potential of workplace health promotion programs targeting certain chronic disease risk factors in men; however, future research should consider long-term study designs to assess the efficacy of workplace health programs as a solution to the growing burden of global disease.

Reducing Metabolic Syndrome Through A 12-week Workplace Nutrition And Physical Activity Education Program

Reducing Metabolic Syndrome Through A 12-week Workplace Nutrition And Physical Activity Education Program

Diets, Lifestyles and Metabolic Risk Factors among Corporate Information Technology (IT) Employees in South India.

(1) Information Technology (IT) Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), the largest employment sector of India, contributes to rapid economic growth. However, the work of IT employees is sedentary, and the food environments of their worksites expose them to an obesogenic environment. This study aimed to assess their metabolic and lifestyle risk factors. (2) Methods: To examine the health and nutrition status of IT employees, anthropometric, biochemical and clinical assessments were conducted among 183 employees from three IT organizations of varied operational sizes. Their health-, diet- and physical activity-related practices were assessed using a questionnaire. The prevalence of MetS was assessed. Selected biomarker levels were assessed and associated with their self-perceived stress levels. (3) Results: The median age of the employees was 30 years (26-35 years). While 44.02% of employees were overweight, 16.85% of employees were obese. About 3.89% of employees were found to be diabetic, and HDL-C levels were lower than recommended in 64.93% of employees. In all, 29.87% of the study population were considered to have metabolic syndrome since they had metabolic risk scores ≥ 3. Those with metabolic syndrome were significantly older (p = 0.000), and levels of MDA (p = 0.003), homocysteine (p = 0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.017) and IL-4 (p = 0.000) were significantly higher among them. Although the prevalence of MetS was significantly lower among those aged >30 years, the lifestyle risk factors were significantly higher among them. (4) Conclusions: The assessed parameters indicate a high risk of developing NCDs among employees in the IT industry in India. This shows the need for the modification of lifestyle and workplace food and physical activity environments.

Workplace Physical Activity Within the Gulf Cooperation Council Region: A Scoping Review

Workplace Physical Activity Within the Gulf Cooperation Council Region: A Scoping Review

Associations Between Workplace Violence and Mental Health Among Chinese Health Technicians: A Moderated Mediation Analysis of Sleep Quality and Physical Activity.

Workplace violence (WPV) had always been the focus of attention in all walks of lives, especially in the health fields. Previous studies had shown it adversely affected mental health for healthcare workers. In addition, both sleep quality and physical activity were supported to have impact on mental health. However, the mechanism of sleep quality and physical activity influence the association between WPV and mental health had not been explored, so the purpose of this paper was to explore this mechanistic link among workplace violence, sleep quality, physical activity, and mental health in Chinese health technicians. Cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 cities of China, totally 3426 valid questionnaires were collected. WPV, physical activity, and social-demographic variables were evaluated. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were used to measure sleep quality and mental health. Descriptive analysis, univariate analysis, Pearson correlation, and moderated mediation analysis were used to estimate prevalence of WPV, association between WPV and mental health, and the role of sleep quality and physical activity on association between WPV and mental health. The prevalence of WPV was 52.2% among Chinese health technicians. After controlling social-demographic and work-related variables, sleep quality partially mediated the effect of WPV on mental health (indirect effect=0.829). Physical activity moderated the relationship between WPV and sleep quality (β=0.235, p=0.013), but not find the moderating role between WPV and mental health (β=0.140, p=0.474), and between sleep quality and mental health (β=0.018, p=0.550). The rate of WPV among health technicians remained at an alarming level. Sleep quality and physical activity could mitigate the adverse effect of WPV on mental health. In the future, we could improve sleep quality and encourage health technicians to engage physical activity to decrease the negative effect of WPV on mental health.