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Gallardo-Rodríguez R, Poblete-Valderrama F, Rodas-Kürten V, Vilas-Boas JP. Sociodemographic Factors Related to Perceived Physical Activity on Chilean Adults after COVID-19 Pandemic. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:238. [PMID: 39330715 PMCID: PMC11435602 DOI: 10.3390/sports12090238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to examine the relationship between sociodemographic variables (i.e., sex, age, marital status, educational level, socioeconomic status, and working mode) and physical activity levels declared by Chilean adults. The sample comprised 483 Chilean adults, 159 men (32.9%) and 324 women (67.1%) aged from 18 to 69 years old (36.5 ± 12.0). The participants completed an ad hoc sociodemographic online survey between December 2022 and March 2023 that included questions about characteristics of participants such as sex, age, educational level, household income, marital status, and working mode. Vigorous, moderate, and walking activities were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), a self-administered questionnaire. Men declared significantly higher vigorous and moderated physical activity than women. People aged 18 to 25, single or unmarried, and with the lowest household income, showed significantly higher scores in vigorous physical activity than those aged 26 to 45, cohabiting with a partner or married, and middle household income, respectively. Regarding working mode, people working at their job site said walking more than people not working, working in a hybrid mode, and working online. Our findings suggest that promoting strategies that increase physical activity during the pandemic is necessary to avoid health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Gallardo-Rodríguez
- School of Education, Universidad Viña del Mar, Viña del Mar 2572007, Chile
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Felipe Poblete-Valderrama
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Conditioning, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción 4090541, Chile;
| | - Viviana Rodas-Kürten
- School of Nursing, Universidad Santo Tomás, Sede Valdivia, Valdivia 5110547, Chile;
| | - João Paulo Vilas-Boas
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- Porto Biomechanics Laboratory (LABIOMEP-UP), University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Purushothaman VK, Ramalingam V, Subbarayalu AV, Raman V, Prabaharan S, Subramaniam A, Vijayakumar S, Krishnan Vasanthi R. From home to health: Telerehabilitation's contribution to physical activity and quality of life in young adult teleworkers. Work 2024:WOR230745. [PMID: 39121147 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global implementation of full-time telework became widespread during the new normal conditions following the pandemic, resulting in reduced physical activity (PA) among teleworkers and young adults. It is vital to comprehend how telehealth interventions favorably impact PA levels and overall well-being of young adults who face increasingly blurred boundaries between work and home life. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to examine the effect of telerehabilitation (TR) on PA levels and quality of life (QoL) in young adult teleworkers. METHODS A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 82 teleworkers (54 females and 28 males). Levels of PA and QoL were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL-14) questionnaire. TR was provided to all participants for four weeks, three times a week, for 40 minutes per session. Levels of PA and QoL were evaluated at baseline and after four weeks of the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS After four weeks of TR, there has been a significant improvement in the scores of IPAQ and HRQOL-14 (p < 0.05). In regards to IPAQ-SF results, TR had a significant effect on the sitting or sedentary behavior of the teleworkers. CONCLUSION The results showed that a short-term TR intervention improved both the level of PA and QoL in young adult teleworkers. Therefore, TR may be an effective treatment approach to improve PA and QoL and promote a healthy lifestyle in teleworkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinosh Kumar Purushothaman
- Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Vinodhkumar Ramalingam
- Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Arun Vijay Subbarayalu
- Department of Physical Therapy, Deanship of Quality and Academic Accreditation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vinoth Raman
- Deanship of Quality and Academic Accreditation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sivasankar Prabaharan
- Deanship of Quality and Academic Accreditation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ambusam Subramaniam
- M Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Malaysia
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Iwamoto H, Nakano S, Tajima R, Kiguchi R, Yoshida Y, Kitanishi Y, Aoki Y. Predicting Workers' Stress: Application of a High-Performance Algorithm Using Working-Style Characteristics. JMIR AI 2024; 3:e55840. [PMID: 39093604 PMCID: PMC11329844 DOI: 10.2196/55840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work characteristics, such as teleworking rate, have been studied in relation to stress. However, the use of work-related data to improve a high-performance stress prediction model that suits an individual's lifestyle has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop a novel, high-performance algorithm to predict an employee's stress among a group of employees with similar working characteristics. METHODS This prospective observational study evaluated participants' responses to web‑based questionnaires, including attendance records and data collected using a wearable device. Data spanning 12 weeks (between January 17, 2022, and April 10, 2022) were collected from 194 Shionogi Group employees. Participants wore the Fitbit Charge 4 wearable device, which collected data on daily sleep, activity, and heart rate. Daily work shift data included details of working hours. Weekly questionnaire responses included the K6 questionnaire for depression/anxiety, a behavioral questionnaire, and the number of days lunch was missed. The proposed prediction model used a neighborhood cluster (N=20) with working-style characteristics similar to those of the prediction target person. Data from the previous week predicted stress levels the following week. Three models were compared by selecting appropriate training data: (1) single model, (2) proposed method 1, and (3) proposed method 2. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) were calculated for the top 10 extracted features from the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model to evaluate the amount and contribution direction categorized by teleworking rates (mean): low: <0.2 (more than 4 days/week in office), middle: 0.2 to <0.6 (2 to 4 days/week in office), and high: ≥0.6 (less than 2 days/week in office). RESULTS Data from 190 participants were used, with a teleworking rate ranging from 0% to 79%. The area under the curve (AUC) of the proposed method 2 was 0.84 (true positive vs false positive: 0.77 vs 0.26). Among participants with low teleworking rates, most features extracted were related to sleep, followed by activity and work. Among participants with high teleworking rates, most features were related to activity, followed by sleep and work. SHAP analysis showed that for participants with high teleworking rates, skipping lunch, working more/less than scheduled, higher fluctuations in heart rate, and lower mean sleep duration contributed to stress. In participants with low teleworking rates, coming too early or late to work (before/after 9 AM), a higher/lower than mean heart rate, lower fluctuations in heart rate, and burning more/fewer calories than normal contributed to stress. CONCLUSIONS Forming a neighborhood cluster with similar working styles based on teleworking rates and using it as training data improved the prediction performance. The validity of the neighborhood cluster approach is indicated by differences in the contributing features and their contribution directions among teleworking levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION UMIN UMIN000046394; https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yasunori Aoki
- Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nippon Life Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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Chaudhary N, Jones M, Rice SPM, Zeigen L, Thosar SS. Transitioning to Working from Home Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Significantly Increased Sedentary Behavior and Decreased Physical Activity: A Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:851. [PMID: 39063428 PMCID: PMC11276674 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many workplaces transitioned to remote work, which altered lifestyle behaviors. We conducted a meta-analysis to understand if the transition to working from home due to the pandemic affected workers' physical activity and sedentary behavior worldwide. We reviewed articles published between November 2019 and May 2022. Of an initial 3485 articles, a total of 17 were included, 15 of 17 were included for their physical activity (PA) comparisons (n = 36,650), and 12 of 17 (n = 57,254) were included for their sedentary behavior (SB) comparisons (10 studies have data for both PA and SB). This work is registered through PROSPERO (CRD42022356000). Working from home resulted in a significant decrease in PA (Hedge's g = -0.29, 95% CI [-0.41, -0.18]) and an increase in SB (Hedge's g = +0.36, 95% CI [0.20, 0.52]). Working from home impaired preventative activity behaviors, and these results are relevant to worker health as the future of work evolves beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Chaudhary
- Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (N.C.); (M.J.); (S.P.M.R.)
| | - Megan Jones
- Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (N.C.); (M.J.); (S.P.M.R.)
| | - Sean P. M. Rice
- Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (N.C.); (M.J.); (S.P.M.R.)
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University (OHSU-PSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Laura Zeigen
- Oregon Health & Science University Library, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Saurabh Suhas Thosar
- Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (N.C.); (M.J.); (S.P.M.R.)
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University (OHSU-PSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Lyons K, Hei Man AH, Booth D, Rena G. Defining Activity Thresholds Triggering a "Stand Hour" for Apple Watch Users: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e53806. [PMID: 38857078 PMCID: PMC11196905 DOI: 10.2196/53806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sedentary behavior (SB) is one of the largest contributing factors increasing the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Guidelines from the World Health Organization for physical activity suggest the substitution of SB with light physical activity. The Apple Watch contains a health metric known as the stand hour (SH). The SH is intended to record standing with movement for at least 1 minute per hour; however, the activity measured during the determination of the SH is unclear. OBJECTIVE In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the algorithm used to determine time spent standing per hour. To do this, we investigated activity measurements also recorded on Apple Watches that influence the recording of an SH. We also aimed to estimate the values of any significant SH predictors in the recording of a SH. METHODS The cross-sectional study used anonymized data obtained in August 2022 from 20 healthy individuals gathered via convenience sampling. Apple Watch data were extracted from the Apple Health app through the use of a third-party app. Appropriate statistical models were fitted to analyze SH predictors. RESULTS Our findings show that active energy (AE) and step count (SC) measurements influence the recording of an SH. Comparing when an SH is recorded with when an SH is not recorded, we found a significant difference in the mean and median AE and SC. Above a threshold of 97.5 steps or 100 kJ of energy, it became much more likely that an SH would be recorded when each predictor was analyzed as a separate entity. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study reveal the pivotal role of AE and SC measurements in the algorithm underlying the SH recording; however, our findings also suggest that a recording of an SH is influenced by more than one factor. Irrespective of the internal validity of the SH metric, it is representative of light physical activity and might, therefore, have use in encouraging individuals through various means, for example, notifications, to reduce their levels of SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Lyons
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Hau Hei Man
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - David Booth
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Rena
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Patnaik A, Behera TR, Pradhan S, Mohapatra D, Mohanty S. Impact of metamorphoses from desk to E-commute - an acumen of professionals: A cross-sectional study. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:2253-2259. [PMID: 39027865 PMCID: PMC11254070 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1375_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The deadly pandemic COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. Due to worldwide lockdown, economy was severely compromised. Everyone was in fear of the consequences that would be faced. Many unprecedented changes happened because of this pandemic. People confined themselves at home to maintain social distancing and mitigation of risk factors. This posed many challenges to the individuals or work force with, and many times the work was compromised. Objectives To explore the current and changes in work pattern and to assess the overall quality of life of professionals working from home. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted by circulating a structured questionnaire through online platform. A snowball sampling method was adopted. Totally, 520 respondents participated in this study. Results Out of 520 participants, males accounted for 57.9% and 41.3% were females. Majority (45.8% males and 40.9% females) were engaged in the software or IT companies. A higher proportion of males were engaged in administration (6%), architecture (10%) and transportation (5.3%) sector, whereas more females were engaged in finance (10.7%) and law (3.3%) sector. 73.1% males worked for more than 12 hours a day in contrast to only 26.9% of females. As the working hours are reducing, the overall quality of life of the participants was increasing significantly with P = 0.008. For those with moderately increased work-life balance, near about half of the participants had overall quality of life between 50 and 75% (P < 0.001). Conclusions In order to increase efficiency at work place, definite laws should be in place to protect the mental as well as overall well-being of professionals working from home. Elaborative research in this field is required in order to generalize the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmita Patnaik
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Tapas R. Behera
- Department of Community Medicine, FM Medical College, Balasore, Odisha, India
| | - Srabani Pradhan
- Department of Community Medicine, SLN Medical College and Hospital, Koraput, Odisha, India
| | - Debjyoti Mohapatra
- Department of Community Medicine, Shri Jagannath Medical College and Hospital, Puri, Odisha, India
| | - Smaraki Mohanty
- Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Fujii Y, Kitano N, Kai Y, Jindo T, Arao T. Changes in Accelerometer-measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior From Before to After COVID-19 Outbreak in Workers. J Epidemiol 2024; 34:247-253. [PMID: 37574271 PMCID: PMC10999519 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20230023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have reduced opportunities for engaging in physical activity (PA) and increased sedentary behavior (SB) among workers. However, most previous studies used self-reported assessments. This study aimed to examine the changes in accelerometer-measured PA and SB from before to after COVID-19 outbreak among Japanese workers. METHODS This 1-year longitudinal study used data from the annual health check-ups of workers who lived in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Baseline and follow-up data were collected from June to November of 2019 and June to November of 2020, respectively. Participants were asked to wear the accelerometer on their hip during awake hours for at least 10 days in both the surveys. Before the analysis, considering the difference in wearing time, time spent in PA and SB were converted to the percentage of wearing time. To investigate the changes in PA or SB from before to during COVID-19 outbreak, paired t-tests were performed. RESULTS Of the 757 eligible participants, 536 were included in the analysis (70.8%). Participants' mean age was 53.3 years, 69.6% were female, and most were full-time employees. Time spent in PA decreased, regardless of weekdays or weekends, although changes on the weekends were not significant. Conversely, time spent in SB increased on both weekdays and weekends in 2020. These changes corresponded to approximately 10 minutes per day decrease in PA and increase in SB. CONCLUSION Objectively measured PA decreased and SB increased by approximately 10 minutes per day after the COVID-19 outbreak among Japanese workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Fujii
- Physical Fitness Research Institute, Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naruki Kitano
- Physical Fitness Research Institute, Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kai
- Physical Fitness Research Institute, Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Jindo
- Physical Fitness Research Institute, Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Arao
- Physical Fitness Research Institute, Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
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Preston RC, Dinsdale K, Shippy MR, Fitter NT. Robot-Mediated Nudges for Workplace Health: Not a One-Size-Fits-All Modeling Problem. Int J Soc Robot 2024; 16:899-918. [PMID: 39239458 PMCID: PMC11377023 DOI: 10.1007/s12369-023-01086-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Prolonged sedentary behavior in the vast population of office and remote workers leads to increased cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health challenges, and existing solutions for encouraging breaks are either costly health coaches or notification systems that are easily ignored. A socially assistive robot (SAR) for promoting healthy workplace practices could provide the physical presence of a health coach along with the scalability of a notification system. To investigate the impact of such a system, we implemented a SAR as an alternative break-taking support solution and examined its impact on individual users' break-taking habits over relatively long-term deployments. We conducted an initial two-month-long study (N = 7) to begin to understand the robot's influence beyond the point of novelty, and we followed up with a week-long data collection (N = 14) to augment the dataset size. The resulting data was used to inform a robot behavior model and formulate possible methods of personalizing robot behaviors. We found that uninterrupted sitting time tended to decrease with our SAR intervention. During model formulation, we found participant responsiveness to the break-taking prompts could be classified into three archetypes and that archetype-specific adjustments to the general model led to improved system success. These results indicate that break-taking prompts are not a one-size-fits-all problem, and that even a small dataset can support model personalization for improving the success of assistive robotic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian C Preston
- CoRIS Institute, Oregon State University, P.O. Box 1212, Corvallis 97331, OR, USA
| | - Kenna Dinsdale
- CoRIS Institute, Oregon State University, P.O. Box 1212, Corvallis 97331, OR, USA
| | - Madison R Shippy
- CoRIS Institute, Oregon State University, P.O. Box 1212, Corvallis 97331, OR, USA
| | - Naomi T Fitter
- CoRIS Institute, Oregon State University, P.O. Box 1212, Corvallis 97331, OR, USA
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Kim HJ, Lee DW, Choi J, Hong YC, Kang MY. Association between work from home and health-related productivity loss among Korean employees. Ann Occup Environ Med 2024; 36:e13. [PMID: 38872634 PMCID: PMC11168941 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background After the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the widespread adoption of working from home, or teleworking, has prompted extensive research regarding its effects on work productivity and the physical and mental health of employees. In this context, our study aimed to investigate the association between working from home and health-related productivity loss (HRPL). Methods An online survey was conducted with a sample of 1,078 workers. HRPL was estimated by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health version. Workers that have been working from home in the last 6 months were categorized into the "work from home" group. Generalized linear models were used to compare the mean difference of HRPL between "work from home" and "commuters" group. Stratified analyses were conducted based on various factors including gender, age, income level, occupation, education level, previous diagnosis of chronic disease, presence of preschool children, living in studio apartment, living alone, commuting time, working hours and regular exercise. Results The overall HRPL was higher in the "work from home" group than in the "commuters" group with a mean difference of 4.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-8.01). In the stratified analyses, significant differences were observed in workers with chronic diseases (mean difference: 8.23, 95% CI: 0.38-16.09), who do not live alone (mean difference: 4.84, 95% CI: 0.35-9.33), and workers that do not exercise regularly (mean difference: 4.96, 95% CI: 0.12-9.80). Conclusions Working from home is associated with an increased HRPL in the Korean working population, especially among those with chronic diseases, those who do not live alone, and those who do not exercise regularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jeong Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Wook Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jaesung Choi
- Department of Economics, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Human Systems Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mo-Yeol Kang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Parés-Salomón I, Señé-Mir AM, Martín-Bozas F, Loef B, Coffey A, Dowd KP, Jabardo-Camprubí G, Proper KI, Puig-Ribera A, Bort-Roig J. Effectiveness of workplace interventions with digital elements to reduce sedentary behaviours in office employees: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:41. [PMID: 38641816 PMCID: PMC11031993 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01595-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital interventions are potential tools for reducing and limiting occupational sedentary behaviour (SB) in sedentary desk-based jobs. Given the harmful effects of sitting too much and sitting for too long while working, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of workplace interventions, that incorporated digital elements, to reduce the time spent in SB in office workers. METHODS Randomised control trials that evaluated the implementation of workplace interventions that incorporated digital elements for breaking and limiting SB among desk-based jobs were identified by literature searches in six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and PEDro) published up to 2023. Studies were included if total and/or occupational SB were assessed. Only studies that reported pre- and postintervention mean differences and standard deviations or standard errors for both intervention arms were used for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5; Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). Risk of bias was assessed using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields QUALSYST tool. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review. The most employed digital elements were information delivery and mediated organisational support and social influences. Multicomponent, information, and counselling interventions measuring total and/or occupational/nonoccupational SB time by self-report or via device-based measures were reported. Multicomponent interventions were the most represented. Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis, which presented a reduction of 29.9 (95% CI: -45.2, -14.5) min/8 h workday in SB (overall effect: Z = 3.81). CONCLUSIONS Multicomponent interventions, using a wide range of digital features, have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing time spent in SB at the workplace among desk-based employees. However, due to hybrid work (i.e., work in the office and home) being a customary mode of work for many employees, it is important for future studies to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of these interventions in the evolving work landscape. TRIAL REGISTRATION The review protocol was registered in the Prospero database (CRD42022377366).
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Parés-Salomón
- Sports and Physical Activity Research Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Life and Health Sciences in Central Catalonia (Iris-CC) and University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Anna M Señé-Mir
- Sports and Physical Activity Research Group, Sport and Physical Activity Studies Centre, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain.
| | | | - Bette Loef
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Alan Coffey
- SHE Research Group, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone, Ireland
| | - Kieran P Dowd
- SHE Research Group, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone, Ireland
| | - Guillem Jabardo-Camprubí
- Sports and Physical Activity Research Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Life and Health Sciences in Central Catalonia (Iris-CC) and Faculty of Health Science at Manresa, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Manresa, Spain
| | - Karin I Proper
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Puig-Ribera
- Sports and Physical Activity Research Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Life and Health Sciences in Central Catalonia (Iris-CC) and University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Judit Bort-Roig
- Sports and Physical Activity Research Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Life and Health Sciences in Central Catalonia (Iris-CC) and University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
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11
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Dupont F, Arabi Kugathasan T, Reid RER, Mathieu ME. Active time at work following the introduction of a standing and a cycling workstation into worker's office space. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2024; 30:161-167. [PMID: 37975262 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2023.2284012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. Active workstations have been proposed to counteract sedentary behavior at work. This study describes office workers' use of and perceptions toward standing and cycling workstations, and assesses whether the two active workstations were sufficient to break sitting time and replace it with 2-4 h of light activity per workday. Methods. This mixed-method study utilized video recording, semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire. The quantitative data covered time spent sitting, standing and on a cycling workstation. The qualitative data were analyzed based on preferences, barriers and facilitators. Results. Participants (n = 15) used active workstations 125.3 (74.5) min/day and spent 79.0 (63.6) min/day using standing versus 46.3 (47.6) min/day using cycling workstations (p = 0.153, d = 0.58). Following the interviews, the standing workstation was preferred over cycling. The ergonomics of the cycling workstation were not optimal and caused discomfort in use. Seven participants broke their sitting time and accumulated 2+ h of light physical activity per workday. Those participants meeting recommendations were older, had a higher body fat percentage and engaged in less physical activity per week. Conclusion. With a preference for standing workstations, our results showed that 47% of workers used standing and cycling workstations to accumulate 2+ h of active time per day.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan E R Reid
- Department of Computer Science, Saint Francis Xavier University, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Mathieu
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Canada
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12
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Hiemstra M, Dillon-Rossiter K, Bartmann N, Prapavessis H, Rollo S, Mitchell M. When it comes to sedentary behaviour modification, should people be told what to do? A randomized comparison trial among home-based office workers living in Ontario, Canada. Transl Behav Med 2024; 14:106-116. [PMID: 37584487 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibad047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of adding choice architecture to a theory-based (Health Action Process Approach; HAPA) sedentary intervention remain unknown. To investigate whether choice architecture enhances a theory-based sedentary behaviour reduction intervention in home-based office workers. A 4-week HAPA-based intervention was conducted in London, Canada. Choice architecture was tested as an enhancement via a two (group: 'Choice of Intervention' vs. 'No Choice Intervention') by two (time: Baseline vs. Week 4) factorial repeated measure randomized comparison design. Sedentary behaviour reduction strategies focussed on obtaining a sedentary break frequency (BF) of every 30-45 min with break durations (BD) of 2-3 min. BF, BD, sitting, standing, and moving time were objectively measured (activPAL4™) at both time points. Participants (n = 148) were 44.9 ± 11.4 years old and 72.3% female. BF and total sitting time showed a time effect (P < .001), where both groups improved over the 4 weeks; there were no significant differences between groups across time. BD, standing, and moving time had a significant group by time effect where the 'No Choice' group showed significant increases in BD (P < .001), standing (P = .006), and moving time (P < .001) over the 4 weeks. Augmenting a theory-based intervention with choice architecture resulted in change in some sedentary behaviours in at home office workers. Specifically, while BF increased for all participants, the 'No Choice' group exhibited greater changes for BD, standing, and moving time compared with the 'Choice' group. Overall, these changes exceeded the intervention BF and BD goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Hiemstra
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nina Bartmann
- Center for Advanced Hindsight, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Harry Prapavessis
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Scott Rollo
- Personnel Support Programs, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Borden, ON, Canada
- GoGet.Fit, Canmore, AB, Canada
| | - Marc Mitchell
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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13
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Park S, Park CG, Hong O. Exploring the characteristics and health outcomes of working from home: Analysis of 2021 California Health Interview Survey data. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:119-128. [PMID: 38069590 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working from home (WFH) may affect health behaviors and mental health. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic saw many US employees transition to WFH, which has persisted in various job sectors and significantly impacted employees. However, its effects on health outcomes have remained unclear. We aimed to explore the characteristics and health outcomes of, and health-related differences between, WFH and not-WFH groups. METHODS Using the 2021 California Health Interview Survey data, we analyzed health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, and fruit-related nutrition) and the mental health status of 12,438 individuals using descriptive statistics, Pearson's χ2 test, and regressions. RESULTS A total of 39% were WFH and 61% were not-WFH. Overall, the WFH group had worse health behaviors and mental health than the not-WFH group. Age was associated with smoking in both groups (WFH: b = 0.37; not-WFH: b = 0.35), but with fruit-related nutrition only in the WFH group. Household income and occupation were associated with alcohol consumption in both groups. Age (WFH: b = -1.58; not-WFH: b = -1.39), household income (WFH: b = -0.75; not-WFH: b = -0.34), and job duration (WFH: b = -0.34; not-WFH: b = -0.40) were associated with mental health in both groups; those who were younger and had lower household incomes and job durations had worse mental health. CONCLUSION Health management is a clear necessity for the WFH group. Irrespective of WFH status, young workers with shorter than 5 years' job duration reported mental distress, highlighting a need for distress assessment and management for the young workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwon Park
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, Michigan Society of Fellows 2022-2025, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Chang Gi Park
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - OiSaeng Hong
- Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Graduate Program, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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14
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Cobbold A, Crane M, Greaves S, Standen C, Beck M, Rissel C. COVID-19 and working from home-related changes in physical activity in Sydney, Australia. Health Promot J Austr 2024. [PMID: 38193616 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ISSUES ADDRESSED Evidence on how COVID-19 lockdowns impacted physical activity (PA) is mixed. This study explores changes in PA following initial mobility restrictions, and their subsequent relaxation, in a sample of Sydney (Australia) residents using a natural experiment methodology. METHODS Participants' health and travel behaviours were collected pre-pandemic in late 2019 (n = 1937), with follow-up waves during the pandemic in 2020 (n = 1706) and 2021 (n = 1514). Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyse changes in weekly duration of PA between the three waves. RESULTS Compared with pre-pandemic, average weekly PA increased in 2021 by 42.6 min total PA (p = .001), 16 min walking PA (p = .02), and 26.4 min moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) (p = .003). However, average weekly sessions of PA decreased in 2020 and remained lower in 2021. For participants who were sufficiently active in 2019, weekly total PA (-66.3 min) MVPA (-43.8 min) decreased in 2020 compared to pre-pandemic. Conversely, among participants who were insufficiently active in 2019, average weekly PA increased in both 2020 (total PA, +99.1 min; walking PA, +46.4 min; MVPA +52.8 min) and 2021 (total PA, +117.8 min; walking PA, +58.4 min; MVPA +59.2 min), compared to 2019. Participants who did more work from home increased their average weekly total PA in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic (+45.3 min). CONCLUSION These findings reveal the complex variability in PA behaviour brought about by the pandemic. SO WHAT?: Strategies to support the population in achieving sufficient PA must focus on maintaining an appetite for PA as we move out of the pandemic and on promoting more frequent PA sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Cobbold
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melanie Crane
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Greaves
- Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The University of Sydney Business School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Standen
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Health Equity Research and Development Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Beck
- Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The University of Sydney Business School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris Rissel
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia
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15
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Jung J, Lim J, Cho YH, Park JB, Jeong I. The changing dynamics of work from home and its association with sleep disturbance through work-family conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Occup Health 2024; 66:uiae014. [PMID: 38569527 PMCID: PMC11060341 DOI: 10.1093/joccuh/uiae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Work from home (WFH) can increase sleep disturbances. However, only few studies have examined the connection between WFH and sleep disturbance while considering work-family conflict (WFC) and the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the association between WFH and sleep disturbance, considering WFC, and assess how this association changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We used data from the fifth and sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey. WFH workers and a control group were selected using propensity score matching. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs for sleep disturbance in the WFH and control groups. RESULTS The workers working from home showed significantly higher ORs for sleep disturbance before (4.26; 95% CI, 3.59-5.05) and during (1.52; 95% CI, 1.26-1.83) the COVID-19 pandemic. When stratified by WFC, the association was significant only in the workers with WFC before COVID-19. However, the association was not significant during COVID-19 among the workers with WFC. CONCLUSIONS WFH was significantly associated with sleep disturbance among workers before COVID-19, but this association was not observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the significant role that WFC plays in this association, companies should provide a family-friendly WFH environment when adopting WFH practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyuk Jung
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Lim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Yong Hyuk Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Jae Bum Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Inchul Jeong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, 16499, Korea
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16
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Wallmann-Sperlich B, Bucksch J, Lendt C, Biallas B, Bipp T, Froboese I. Home office shift and sedentary behaviour in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic: descriptives and related socioecological correlates. ERGONOMICS 2024; 67:1-12. [PMID: 37125437 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2202841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 working restrictions resulted in a location shift of white-collar workers into their home office (HO). Little is known about how the proportion of HO affects sitting and physical activity (PA) behaviour during working hours, and potential correlates are not well understood. A cross-sectional sample of currently working adults in HO (n = 575) completed questionnaires regarding HO proportion before and during the pandemic, work-related sitting and PA, and socioecological factors regarding HO sitting time. The reported HO proportion increased by 46.7 ± 40.6% during COVID-19 working restrictions. Workday sitting proportion correlates positively with HO proportion. The regression model identified gender, education level, working hours, working environment to stand during work, and transport and leisure PA as correlates of the workday sitting proportion in HO. This study provides findings that high HO proportions are related to higher work-related sitting times and adds insights into possible correlates of sitting time in HO.Practitioner summary: Working in the home office (HO) is a common characteristic of flexible work in white-collar workers. This study found that the workday sitting proportion correlates positively with HO proportion and identified correlates of the workday sitting in HO. Practitioners should consider the potential impacts of HO on work-related sedentary behaviour in future workplace health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens Bucksch
- Department of Prevention and Health Promotion, Faculty of Natural and Sociological Sciences, University of Education Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claas Lendt
- Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bianca Biallas
- Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tanja Bipp
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ingo Froboese
- Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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17
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Wells J, Scheibein F, Pais L, Rebelo dos Santos N, Dalluege CA, Czakert JP, Berger R. A Systematic Review of the Impact of Remote Working Referenced to the Concept of Work-Life Flow on Physical and Psychological Health. Workplace Health Saf 2023; 71:507-521. [PMID: 37387511 PMCID: PMC10612377 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231176397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of remote working in which employers' obligations for employees' health and well-being extended into the home. This paper reports on a systematic review of the health impacts of remote working within the context of COVID-19 and discusses the implications of these impacts for the future role of the occupational health nurse. METHOD The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021258517) and followed the PRISMA guidelines. The review covered 2020-2021 to capture empirical studies of remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, their physical and psychological impacts and mediating factors. RESULTS Eight hundred and thirty articles were identified. After applying the inclusion criteria, a total of 34 studies were reviewed. Most studies showed low to very low strength of evidence using the GRADE approach. A minority of studies had high strength of evidence. These focused on the reduced risk of infection and negative effects in terms of reduced physical activity, increased sedentary activity, and increased screen time. CONCLUSION/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE The synergy of work and personal well-being with the accelerated expansion of remote working suggests a more active role in the lives of workers within the home setting on the part of occupational health nurses. That role relates to how employees organize their relationship to work and home life, promoting positive lifestyles while mitigating adverse impacts of remote working on personal well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Wells
- School of Health Sciences, South East Technological University
| | | | - Leonor Pais
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra
| | - Nuno Rebelo dos Santos
- Research Centre in Education and Psychology (CIEP-UÉ), School of Social Sciences, Universidade de Évora
| | | | | | - Rita Berger
- Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat de Barcelona
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18
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Webber BJ, Soto GW, Smith A, Whitfield GP. Changes in Teleworking and Physical Activity Behaviors in the United States Before and After Emergence of COVID-19. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:826-831. [PMID: 37264541 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of perceived decreases in three physical activity (PA) behaviors and meeting the PA guideline, by changes in telework. METHODS US workers ( N = 2393) reported teleworking and PA behaviors before and after COVID-19 emergence. Those reporting more and less telework were compared with those reporting stable telework on prevalence of (1) decreasing behaviors and (2) meeting the aerobic guideline (≥150 min/wk of moderate-intensity PA). RESULTS Compared with workers with stable telework, those with increased telework were more likely to report decreases in any PA (by 61%), active transportation (65%), and park use (52%). Workers who deceased telework were also more likely to report decreases in these behaviors. Groups were equally likely to meet the guideline. CONCLUSIONS Changes in teleworking status-either more or less-may be associated with decreased participation in PA behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryant J Webber
- From the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (B.J.W., G.W.S., G.P.W.); Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (B.J.W.); Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (G.W.S.); Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (A.S.); and Goldbelt C6 LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (A.S.)
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19
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Moura SS, Menezes Júnior LAA, Carraro JCC, Machado-Coelho GLL, Meireles AL. Poor Sleep Quality and Working From Home Influence the Prevalence of Leisure Time Physical Inactivity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: COVID-Inconfidentes Study. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:e640-e647. [PMID: 37505098 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to explore possible associations according to quality of sleep and work from home (WFH) with physical inactivity (PI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study in two Brazilian cities (>18 years), by probability sampling. Leisure-time physical activity was self-reported and classified according to guidelines. Sleep was by applying the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Work from home was classified as: total WFH or no WFH. RESULTS A total of 1750 adults were analyzed, 69.1% were physically inactive, 51.9% had poor sleep quality, and 79.8% were not in WFH. PI was associated with poor sleep quality and non-WFH. Compared with those who reported WFH and good sleep quality, those who reported non-WFH and poor sleep quality had 4 times the prevalence of PI. CONCLUSIONS Poor sleep quality, and not WFH, is associated with leisure PI. These factors combined increase the probability of PI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara Silva Moura
- From the Post-graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, Nutrition School, Federal University of Ouro Preto. Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil (S.S.d.M., L.A.A.d.M.J., J.C.C.C., G.L.L.M.-C., A.L.M.); and Epidemiology Laboratory, Medical School, Federal University of Ouro Preto. OuroPreto, Minas Gerais, Brazil (S.S.d.M., L.A.A.d.M.J., G.L.L.M.-C.)
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20
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Harmouche-Karaki M, Mahfouz M, Salameh P, El Helou N. Physical Activity Levels and Predictors during COVID-19 Lockdown among Lebanese Adults: The Impacts of Sociodemographic Factors, Type of Physical Activity and Work Location. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2080. [PMID: 37510521 PMCID: PMC10378799 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11142080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although effective against COVID-19, national lockdowns have several deleterious behavioral and health effects, including physical inactivity. The objective of this study is to assess physical activity (PA) levels during lockdown and the predictors of PA among Lebanese adults, while comparing classical statistics to machine learning models. METHODS Data were collected using an online questionnaire, with PA being evaluated through the "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" (IPAQ)-long form. Machine learning models were applied to predict total PA ≥ 600 MET·min/week. RESULTS Among 795 participants, while 67.5% auto-declared a decrease in PA level during lockdown, 36.2% did not meet the minimum recommendations for PA. Multivariate analysis showed that participants who went to their workplace during lockdown had significantly higher total and job-related PA, higher walking and moderate PA, and lower sitting time. PA level and intensity increased with age, while sitting time decreased. Participants who practiced a combination of both outdoor and at-home workouts had higher total, housework and leisure-related PA, and higher moderate and vigorous-intensity PA. Machine learning models confirmed these findings as well as the importance of outdoor activity for total PA levels, with Random Forest being the highest-performing model. CONCLUSIONS Bringing to light the levels of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, this study highlighted the importance of outdoor activity in contributing to PA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maya Mahfouz
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University, Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1102 2801, Lebanon
- Institut National de Santé Publique d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103 2180, Lebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat 1533, Lebanon
| | - Nour El Helou
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University, Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon
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21
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Milaković M, Koren H, Bradvica-Kelava K, Bubaš M, Nakić J, Jeličić P, Bucić L, Bekavac B, Čvrljak J, Capak M. Telework-related risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1155745. [PMID: 37465175 PMCID: PMC10350503 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1155745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Telework has become considerably more common during the ongoing pandemic. Although working remotely may have numerous advantages, negative impacts on workers' health and safety should also be considered. Telework is a major contributor to the development or aggravation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders where unsuited workstation ergonomics, sedentary behavior, as well as psychosocial and organizational factors play a role. This paper aims to identify telework-related risks and their impact on musculoskeletal health as well as provide recommendations that may be useful in constructing future preventive measures. A comprehensive literature search regarding the topic has been performed. Teleworkers experience musculoskeletal pain and discomfort mostly in low back area, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Poor ergonomic solutions when it comes to workstation design resulting in prolonged sitting in non-neutral positions contribute to the development and aggravation of musculoskeletal disorders in teleworkers. Working with inadequately placed screens and laptops and sitting in maladjusted seats without usual functionalities and ergonomic support is associated with musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. Extended working hours with fewer rest periods to meet increased work demands, social isolation, and lack of support from work colleagues and superiors as well as blurred work-home boundaries and omnipresence of work are commonly stated psychosocial and organizational factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Environmental factors such as poor lighting and glare, inadequate room temperature, and ventilation or noise, are frequently overlooked remote workstation risk factors. For a certain part of workers, telework will remain a common way of work in the post-pandemic period. Therefore, it is essential to identify telework-related risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and address them with timely preventive measures tailored to each remote workstation's risks and individual workers' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Milaković
- Division for Occupational Health, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Helena Koren
- Division for Occupational Health, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Marija Bubaš
- Division for Occupational Health, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josipa Nakić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Pavle Jeličić
- Division for Environmental Health, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lovro Bucić
- Division for Environmental Health, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Barbara Bekavac
- Division for Environmental Health, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Čvrljak
- Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Magdalena Capak
- Department of History, Croatian Catholic University, Zagreb, Croatia
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22
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Katewongsa P, Widyastari DA, Haemathulin N, Khanawapee A, Penmai S. Recovery shape of physical activity after COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2023:S2095-2546(23)00020-0. [PMID: 36868376 PMCID: PMC9977470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the shutdowns associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, there has been limited discourse on physical activity (PA) recovery (i.e., the ability of individuals to resume PA at pre-pandemic levels), including recovery rate, speed of recovery, which individuals are able to return quickly, who is left behind, and what are the causes of those differences. This study aimed to estimate the level and shape of PA recovery rate in Thailand. METHODS This study employed 2 rounds (2020 and 2021) of Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity dataset for the analysis. Each round included over 6600 samples from individuals aged 18 years or older. PA was assessed subjectively. Recovery rate was calculated from the relative difference in the cumulative minutes of MVPA from 2 different periods. RESULTS The Thai population experienced a medium level of recession of PA (-26.1%) and a moderate level of recovery of PA (37.44%). PA recovery in the Thai population resembled an imperfect V shape, reflecting a sharp decline followed by an immediate upturn; still, recovered PA remained lower than pre-pandemic levels. The quickest recovery was found among older adults, whereas students, young adults, residents of Bangkok, the unemployed, and those who had a negative attitude toward PA experienced the highest recession of PA and were among the slowest to recover. CONCLUSION The level of recovery of PA among Thai adults is largely determined by the preventive behaviors demonstrated by groups within the population who have a higher awareness of their health. The effect of the mandatory coronavirus disease 2019 containment measures on PA was temporary. However, the slower recovery rate of PA among some individuals was caused by a combination of restrictive measures and socioeconomic inequality, which required more time and effort to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyawat Katewongsa
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; Thailand Physical Activity Knowledge Development Centre (TPAK), Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Dyah Anantalia Widyastari
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; Thailand Physical Activity Knowledge Development Centre (TPAK), Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
| | - Narumol Haemathulin
- Thailand Physical Activity Knowledge Development Centre (TPAK), Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Aunyarat Khanawapee
- Thailand Physical Activity Knowledge Development Centre (TPAK), Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Surasak Penmai
- Thailand Physical Activity Knowledge Development Centre (TPAK), Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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23
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Antunes ED, Bridi LRT, Santos M, Fischer FM. Part-time or full-time teleworking? A systematic review of the psychosocial risk factors of telework from home. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1065593. [PMID: 36910835 PMCID: PMC9992198 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1065593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic thousands of people have experienced teleworking and this practice is becoming increasingly commonplace. This review aims to highlight the differences in exposure to psychosocial risk factors for health between part-time and full-time teleworking from home. Methods The protocol of the systematic review of the literature was registered on PROSPERO 2020 platform according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. The key words "telework" and "frequency" ("part-time" or "full-time"), together with their synonyms and variations, were searched. Independent researchers conducted the systematic search of 7 databases: Scopus, SciELO, PePSIC; PsycInfo, PubMed, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) and Web of Science. Of the 638 articles identified from 2010 to June 2021, 32 were selected for data extraction. The authors evaluated the risk of bias and quality of evidence of the studies included using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Main themes categorized include 7 dimensions of psychosocial risk factors: work intensity and working hours; emotional demands; autonomy; social relationships at work; conflict of values, work insecurity and home/work interface. Results The results revealed scant practice of full-time teleworking prior to the pandemic. Regarding the psychosocial risk factors found, differences were evident before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. For part-time and full-time telework prior to the pandemic, the dimensions of intensification of work and working hours, social relationships at work, and the home-work interface were the most prominent factors. However, studies performed during the COVID-19 pandemic where teleworking was mostly performed full-time, there was an increase in focus on emotional demands and the home-work interface, and a reduction in the other dimensions. Discussion Full-time telework brings important changes in working conditions and has the potential to affect living and health conditions of teleworkers. Part-time teleworking may have positive impact on psychosocial risk factors, favoring work-home balance, communication, and social relationships. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=191455, PROSPERO 2020 CRD4202019 1455.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Santos
- Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Frida Marina Fischer
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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24
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Khanji MY, Collett G, Godec T, Maniero C, Ng SM, Siddiqui I, Gupta J, Kapil V, Gupta A. Improved lifestyle is associated with improved depression, anxiety and well-being over time in UK healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the CoPE-HCP cohort study. Gen Psychiatr 2023; 36:e100908. [PMID: 36751400 PMCID: PMC9895916 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2022-100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background One potential modifiable factor to improve the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs) during the pandemic is lifestyle. Aims This study aimed to assess whether an improved lifestyle during the pandemic is associated with improved mental health symptoms and mental well-being in HCPs over time. Methods This was a cohort study involving an online survey distributed at two separate time points during the pandemic (baseline (July-September 2020) and follow-up (December 2020-March 2021)) to HCPs working in primary or secondary care in the UK. Both surveys assessed for major depressive disorder (MDD) (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)), mental well-being (Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Score (SWEMWBS)) and self-reported lifestyle change (compared with the start of the pandemic) on multiple domains. Cumulative scores were calculated to estimate overall lifestyle change compared with that before the pandemic (at both baseline and follow-up). At each time point, separate logistic regression models were constructed to relate the lifestyle change score with the presence of MDD, GAD and low mental well-being. Linear regression models were also developed relating the change in lifestyle scores from baseline to follow-up to changes in PHQ-9, GAD-7 and SWEMWBS scores. Results 613 HCPs completed both baseline assessment and follow-up assessment. Consistent significant cross-sectional associations between increased lifestyle change scores and a reduced risk of MDD, GAD and low mental well-being were observed at both baseline and follow-up. Over the study period, a whole unit increase in the change in novel scores (ie, improved overall lifestyle) over 4 months was inversely associated with changes in PHQ-9 (adjusted coefficient: -0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.73 to -0.30, p<0.001) and GAD-7 scores (adjusted coefficient: -0.32, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.10, p=0.004) and positively associated with the change in SWEMWBS scores (adjusted coefficient: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.55, p<0.001). Conclusions Improved lifestyle over time is associated with improved mental health and mental well-being in HCPs during the pandemic. Improving lifestyle could be a recommended intervention for HCPs to help mitigate the mental health impact during the current and future pandemics. Trial registration number NCT04433260.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Y Khanji
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Barts Heart Centre, Saint Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Newham University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - George Collett
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Godec
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Carmela Maniero
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Barts Heart Centre, Saint Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sher May Ng
- Department of Cardiology, Barts Heart Centre, Saint Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Imrana Siddiqui
- Wellbeing Hub, Newham Training Hub, London, UK
- NHS North East London CCG, London, UK
| | - Jaya Gupta
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Vikas Kapil
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Barts Heart Centre, Saint Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ajay Gupta
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Barts Heart Centre, Saint Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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25
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Huber D, Freidl J, Pichler C, Bischof M, Kiem M, Weisböck-Erdheim R, Squarra G, De Nigris V, Resnyak S, Neberich M, Bordin S, Zechner R, Hartl A. Long-Term Effects of Mountain Hiking vs. Forest Therapy on Physical and Mental Health of Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20021469. [PMID: 36674227 PMCID: PMC9859399 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifelong physical activity is related to longer health span, which is reflected at an individual level, and is of substantial socioeconomic relevance. Sedentary lifestyles, on the other hand, pose an increasingly major public health problem. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on activity levels and well-being. Previous research indicates that contact with nature might improve exercise levels as well as well-being. METHODS This randomized, controlled clinical trial (ANKER-study) investigated the effects of two types of nature-based therapies (forest therapy and mountain hiking) in couples (FTG: n = 23; HG: n = 22;) with a sedentary or inactive lifestyle on health-related quality of life, relationship quality and other psychological and physiological parameters. RESULTS The results of this study displayed that healthy and highly functioning women and men with sedentary lifestyles mentally benefit from contact with nature (quality of life, satisfaction with life, mood, internal and external health-related control beliefs). The gender-specific effect on women is most visible in the physiological outcomes (hemopoietic system, aerobic capacity, skeletal muscle mass and hydration) of mountain hiking. Men and women showed small improvements in blood pressure as a result of the interventions. CONCLUSIONS The ANKER-study provides a method for valid comparison of forest therapy interventions for the first time. Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the nature-based intervention presented could offer a multimodal contribution to maintaining a more active lifestyle, further contact with nature that affects peoples physical as well as mental health, and an improvement in social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Huber
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johanna Freidl
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christina Pichler
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Bischof
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Kiem
- Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, 39010 Tisens, Italy
| | | | | | - Vincenzo De Nigris
- Institute of Sports Medicine, South Tyrol Health Authority, 39100 Bozen, Italy
| | - Stefan Resnyak
- Institute of Sports Medicine, South Tyrol Health Authority, 39100 Bozen, Italy
| | - Marcel Neberich
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Susanna Bordin
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - René Zechner
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Arnulf Hartl
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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Sommovigo V, Bernuzzi C, Finstad GL, Setti I, Gabanelli P, Giorgi G, Fiabane E. How and When May Technostress Impact Workers' Psycho-Physical Health and Work-Family Interface? A Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1266. [PMID: 36674020 PMCID: PMC9859582 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although a growing body of research has analyzed the determinants and effects of technostress, it is still unclear how and when technostress would impact workers' psycho-physical health and work-family interface during the pandemic. To fill this gap, this study tests the mediating mechanisms and the boundary conditions associated with the impact of technostress on workers' psycho-physical well-being and work-family conflict. A total of 266 Italian workers completed online questionnaires measuring (traditional vs. remote) working modalities, technostress, fear of COVID-19, working excessively, psycho-physical distress, work-family conflict, loss of a loved one due to COVID-19, and resilience. Structural equation models were performed. Results indicated that technostress was positively related to psycho-physical distress and work-family conflict, as mediated by fear of COVID-19 and working excessively, respectively. The loss of a loved one exacerbated the effects of fear of COVID-19 on psycho-physical health, while resilience buffered the effects of working excessively on work-family conflict. Since numerous organizations intend to maintain remote working also after the COVID-19 emergency, it is crucial to study this phenomenon during its peaks of adoption, to prevent its potential negative outcomes. The implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sommovigo
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Bernuzzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Unit of Applied Psychology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Setti
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Unit of Applied Psychology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Gabanelli
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Psychology Unit of Pavia Institute, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giorgi
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Fiabane
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Genova Nervi Institute, 16167 Genova, Italy
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27
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Rovniak LS, Cho J, Freivalds A, Kong L, De Araujo-Greecher M, Bopp M, Sciamanna CN, Rothrock L. Effects of Desk Pedaling Work Rate on Concurrent Work Performance among Physically Inactive Adults: A Randomized Experiment. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:20-31. [PMID: 35977110 PMCID: PMC9771969 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Under-desk pedaling devices could help reduce health risks associated with the global decline in work-related energy expenditure. However, the optimal pedaling work rate to facilitate concurrent work performance among physically inactive adults is unclear. We examined the effects of two light-intensity pedaling work rates on physically inactive adults' work performance. METHODS We recruited equal numbers of older (45-65 yr) versus younger (20-44 yr), male versus female, and overweight/obese (body mass index [BMI], 25-35 kg·m -2 ) versus normal weight (BMI, 18.5-24.9 kg·m -2 ) participants. Using a Graeco-Latin square design, participants ( n = 96) completed a laboratory experiment to evaluate the effects of using an under-desk pedaling device at two seated light-intensity work rates (17 and 25 W), relative to a seated nonpedaling condition on objectively measured typing, reading, logical reasoning, and phone task performance. Ergonomic comfort under each pedaling work rate was also assessed. Equivalence tests were used to compare work performance under the pedaling versus nonpedaling conditions. RESULTS Treatment fidelity to the 17- and 25-W pedaling work rates exceeded 95%. Mean work performance scores for each pedaling and nonpedaling condition were equivalent under alpha = 0.025. Age, sex, and BMI did not significantly moderate the effect of pedaling on work performance. Participants reported greater ergonomic comfort while completing work tasks at the 17-W relative to the 25-W work rate. CONCLUSIONS Physically inactive adults obtained similar work performance scores under the 17- and 25-W pedaling and the nonpedaling conditions, suggesting that either pedaling work rate could help reduce health risks of sedentary work time. The 17-W work rate yielded greater ergonomic comfort and may be an appropriate starting point for introducing diverse inactive workers to under-desk pedaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza S. Rovniak
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Jay Cho
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Andris Freivalds
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Lan Kong
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | | | - Melissa Bopp
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Christopher N. Sciamanna
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Ling Rothrock
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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28
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Akksilp K, Koh JJE, Tan V, Tong EH, Budtarad N, Xueying G, Dieterich AV, Tai BC, Müller AM, Isaranuwatchai W, Rouyard T, Nakamura R, Müller-Riemenschneider F, Teerawattananon Y, Chen C. The physical activity at work (PAW) study: a cluster randomised trial of a multicomponent short-break intervention to reduce sitting time and increase physical activity among office workers in Thailand. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2023; 8:100086. [PMID: 37384135 PMCID: PMC10305858 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2022.100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Sedentary behaviour increases the risks of non-communicable diseases. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of the Physical Activity at Work multicomponent intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in Thai office workers. Methods Offices under the Ministry of Public Health Thailand, were randomly allocated to the intervention and control group in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by office size. The intervention included individual (pedometer and lottery-based financial incentives), social (group movement breaks), environmental (posters), and organisational (leader encouragement) components. At baseline and 6-month follow-up, participants wore ActiGraphTM on the waist for ten days. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in sedentary time at 6-month, analysed using a linear mixed-effects model. Other outcomes were physical activity, biomarkers, productivity, and musculoskeletal health. Trial registration: The PAW study was registered at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (ID TCTR20200604007) on 02 June 2020. Findings 282 office workers were recruited and randomly allocated to the control group (142 participants, nine offices) and the intervention group (140 participants, nine offices). The mean age was 38.6 years (SD = 10.4), and 81% were women. There was no evidence of intervention effects on sedentary time during waking hours (-26.8; 95% CI = -69.2 to 15.7 min), physical activity levels, or biomarkers between groups at 6-month. In the adjusted analysis, increases in time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (5.45; 95% CI = -0.15 to 11.1 min) and step count (718; 95% CI = -45 to 1481 steps) during waking hours were observed, although there was no evidence of a difference between groups. Interpretation The intervention did not significantly reduce sedentary time in Thai office workers. Suboptimal intervention uptake due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and loss of statistical power associated with recruitment constraints may explain this result. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the processes of the trial. Funding The Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the International Decision Support Initiative (iDSI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katika Akksilp
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Programme (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
| | - Jemima Jia En Koh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Vanessa Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Eunice Huiying Tong
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Nuttakarn Budtarad
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Programme (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
| | - Guo Xueying
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Anna Valeria Dieterich
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Bee Choo Tai
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Andre Matthias Müller
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Wanrudee Isaranuwatchai
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Programme (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
| | - Thomas Rouyard
- Hitotsubashi Institute for Advanced Study, Hitotsubashi University, Japan
| | - Ryota Nakamura
- Hitotsubashi Institute for Advanced Study, Hitotsubashi University, Japan
| | - Falk Müller-Riemenschneider
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Yot Teerawattananon
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Programme (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
| | - Cynthia Chen
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
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29
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Abe M, Arima H, Satoh A, Okuda N, Taniguchi H, Nishi N, Higashiyama A, Suzuki H, Kadota A, Ohkubo T, Ueshima H, Miura K, Okayama A. Marital status, household size, and lifestyle changes during the first COVID-19 pandemic: NIPPON DATA2010. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283430. [PMID: 36972241 PMCID: PMC10042380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Stay-at-home strategies taken during the COVID-19 pandemic changed our lifestyle drastically. Although marital status and household size are important social determinants of health that affect lifestyle, their impacts on lifestyle during the pandemic are still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between marital status, household size, and lifestyle changes during the first pandemic in Japan. Questionnaire surveys on lifestyle changes from before to during the first COVID-19 pandemic were conducted on October 2020 in Japan. Classified into age groups, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the combined association of marital status and household size on lifestyle, adjusted for potential confounders including socioeconomic factors. In our prospective cohort study, 1928 participants were included. Among older participants, the singles living alone were likely to perceive more unhealthy lifestyle changes (45.8%), compared with the married (33.2%), and significantly associated with at least one unhealthy change [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1,18-2.78], mainly due to decreased physical activity and increased alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, the younger participants showed no significant association between marital status, household size, and unhealthy changes, while those living alone had 2.87 times higher odds of weight gain (≥ 3 kg) than the married (adjusted OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 0.96-8.54) during the pandemic. Our findings suggest that older singles living alone are potentially vulnerable subgroups to drastic social changes which warrant special attention to prevent adverse health outcomes and additional burden on health systems in the following future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Abe
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hisatomi Arima
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Atsushi Satoh
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nagako Okuda
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Taniguchi
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobuo Nishi
- International Center for Nutrition and Information, National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Higashiyama
- Department of Hygiene, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Harumitsu Suzuki
- Department of Hygiene, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Aya Kadota
- NCD Epidemiology Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Ohkubo
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Ueshima
- NCD Epidemiology Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Miura
- NCD Epidemiology Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akira Okayama
- Research Institute of Strategy for Prevention, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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The longitudinal association between working from home and musculoskeletal pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 96:521-535. [PMID: 36566457 PMCID: PMC9790086 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates the associations between working from home and the presence of MSP during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working from home often involves a lot of sedentary computer screen work and the home working environment might not be optimally equipped, which can lead to health problems, including musculoskeletal pain (MSP). METHODS Longitudinal data from 16 questionnaire rounds of the Lifelines COVID-19 cohort during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-February 2021) were used. In total, 40,702 Dutch workers were included. In every round, participants reported whether they worked on location, from home, or hybrid. Logistic Generalized Estimating Equations were used to study the association of work situation with the presence of MSP and the presence of severe MSP. RESULTS Working from home was associated with higher risks of having MSP in the lower back (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08), in the upper back (OR: 1.24, 95% CI 1.18-1.31), and in the neck, shoulder(s) and/or arm(s) (OR: 1.18, 95% CI 1.13-1.22). Hybrid working was associated with higher risks of having pain in the upper back (OR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.17) and in the neck, shoulder(s) and/or arm(s) (OR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.20). Both home and hybrid workers had higher risks of severe MSP in the different body areas. CONCLUSION Home workers, and to a smaller extent hybrid workers, had higher risks of having MSP than location workers during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate the importance of measures to prevent MSP in future policies involving working from home.
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Qiu M, Ni Y, Utomo S. Does Pandemic Fatigue Prevent Farmers' Participation in the Rural Tourism Industry: A Comparative Study between Two Chinese Villages. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:62. [PMID: 36612384 PMCID: PMC9819032 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Rural tourism is an important income generation method for farmers post-pandemic. However, few studies have focused on how pandemic fatigue has affected their willingness to participate in rural tourism development. We conducted a quasi-experiment to test these effects using data from two Chinese villages. Shanlian village, which was more severely affected by COVID-19, was the experimental group, while Huashu village was set as the control group. Our results reveal that both physical and mental fatigue hinder farmers' intention to engage in rural tourism. Further, there were significant interaction effects between physical and mental fatigue on the farmers' participation in rural tourism. For farmers with low physical fatigue, the higher their mental fatigue, the less willing they were to participate in rural development. Conversely, for the higher physical fatigue group, farmers with low levels of mental fatigue were still more willing to participate in rural tourism development. These findings reduce the current research gap concerning the relationship between pandemic fatigue and farmers' participation in rural tourism and indicate that practitioners and policymakers should consider farmers' fatigue management as an important factor for the sustainability of rural tourism during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Qiu
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yueli Ni
- Nanjing Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Sulistyo Utomo
- Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
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Kim J, Mizushima R, Nishida K, Morimoto M, Nakata Y. Multi-Component Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Japanese Office Workers: A Single-Arm Feasibility Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16859. [PMID: 36554737 PMCID: PMC9779824 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the feasibility of a multi-component intervention to promote physical activity (PA) among Japanese office workers. It was an 8-week single-arm trial conducted in Japan in 2021, in which 76 employees aged 20 or older, from an insurance company, participated. They received a multi-component PA intervention that comprised individual (lecture, print material, goal setting, and feedback), socio-cultural (team building and supportive atmosphere), physical (poster), and organizational (encouraging message from an executive) strategies. The primary outcome was change in objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). A paired t-test was used to compare the changes between weeks 0 and 8. We also conducted a subdomain analysis of PA divided into four domains (working, non-working, commuting working, and remote working). Excluding 26 participants who could not complete valid assessments, the MVPA among participants (n = 50, age 49.6 ± 9.7) significantly increased by +7.3 min/day [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8 to 13.8]. We also identified significant changes in MVPA by +10.0 min/day [95% CI, 3.7 to 16.3] in working days (n = 40), and by +7.1 min/day [95% CI, 0.4 to 13.7] in remote working days (n = 34). We demonstrated that multi-component PA interventions might improve MVPA among Japanese office workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Kim
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8574, Japan
| | - Ryoko Mizushima
- Department of Sports Research, Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, 3-15-1 Nishigaoka, Kita-ku, Tokyo 107-0061, Japan
| | - Kotaro Nishida
- Risk Management Department 4th, MS&AD InterRisk Research & Consulting, Inc., WATERRAS ANNEX (10F & 11F), 2-105, Kanda Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0063, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morimoto
- Risk Management Department 4th, MS&AD InterRisk Research & Consulting, Inc., WATERRAS ANNEX (10F & 11F), 2-105, Kanda Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0063, Japan
| | - Yoshio Nakata
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8574, Japan
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Loef B, van Oostrom SH, Bosma E, Proper KI. The mediating role of physical activity and sedentary behavior in the association between working from home and musculoskeletal pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1072030. [PMID: 36530694 PMCID: PMC9757165 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1072030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated both with physical inactivity and musculoskeletal pain. However, it has not been examined whether physical activity and sedentary behavior are underlying mechanisms in the association between working from home and musculoskeletal pain. Therefore, we examined their mediating role in this association. Methods Data were used from 24 questionnaire rounds of the Lifelines COVID-19 cohort (March 2020-January 2022). Longitudinal information on work situation (location, home, hybrid), physical activity, sedentary behavior, and musculoskeletal pain was collected among 28,586 workers. Analysis of physical activity/sedentary behavior as mediators of the association between working from home and musculoskeletal pain was performed using multilevel structural equation modeling. Results Home workers more often had pain in the upper back [odds ratio (OR) = 1.17, 95%-confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.34] and arm, neck, and/or shoulder (ANS) (OR = 1.32, 95%-CI = 1.19-1.47) than location workers. Furthermore, home workers were more often sedentary for >9 h per work day than location workers (OR = 2.82, 95%-CI = 2.56-3.09), and being more sedentary was associated with musculoskeletal pain (upper back: OR = 1.17, 95%-CI = 1.06-1.30; ANS: OR = 1.25, 95%-CI = 1.16-1.34). Corresponding indirect effects were OR = 1.18 (95%-CI = 1.04-1.33) and OR = 1.26 (95%-CI = 1.12-1.35). No indirect effect was found for physical activity. Similar indirect effects were observed for hybrid workers. Conclusion Home and hybrid workers were more likely to have pain in the upper musculoskeletal system during the COVID-19 pandemic than location workers, which was partly mediated by increased sedentary behavior, but not by reduced physical activity. Measures to reduce sedentary time in home workers may contribute to preventing musculoskeletal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bette Loef
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Sandra H. van Oostrom
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Esmee Bosma
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Karin I. Proper
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Tuckwell GA, Vincent GE, Gupta CC, Ferguson SA. Does breaking up sitting in office-based settings result in cognitive performance improvements which last throughout the day? A review of the evidence. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2022; 60:501-513. [PMID: 35095033 PMCID: PMC9726606 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2021-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sedentary behavior at work contributes to detrimental cognitive outcomes (e.g., decreases in attention). The length of time that cognitive performance benefits are sustained following bouts of breaking up sitting (e.g., using sit-stand desks or walking) is not known. A narrative review of the literature was conducted using a systematic search strategy, with keywords related to breaking up sitting interventions in office-based environments and cognitive performance outcomes in the period immediately post the cessation of the breaking up sitting intervention. Three types of office-based breaking up sitting interventions were identified; 1) sit-stand desks, 2) walking desks and 3) cycling desks. From the eight studies which met the criteria, the impacts of these interventions on cognitive performance outcomes were mixed, with significant benefits in some studies and others reporting no benefit. Of the cognitive domains assessed, working memory, attention, and psychomotor function showed significant sustained improvement for up to 30 minutes post intervention. While there are benefits to a key set of cognitive performance domains following breaking up sitting interventions in office-based settings, no studies have evaluated whether benefits to cognitive performance persist for longer than 30 minutes after the breaking up sitting intervention. Furthermore, specific applications of these cognitive benefits to tasks outside of work (e.g., driving home from work) are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia A Tuckwell
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Australia
| | - Grace E Vincent
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Australia
| | - Charlotte C Gupta
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Australia
| | - Sally A Ferguson
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Australia
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Niven A, Baker G, Almeida EC, Fawkner SG, Jepson R, Manner J, Morton S, Nightingale G, Sivaramakrishnan D, Fitzsimons C. "Are We Working (Too) Comfortably?": Understanding the Nature of and Factors Associated with Sedentary Behaviour When Working in the Home Environment. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCE 2022; 7:71-88. [PMID: 36465155 PMCID: PMC9708134 DOI: 10.1007/s41542-022-00128-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Home working has increased due to COVID-19, but little is known about how this change has impacted the health risk behaviour of elevated sedentary time. The aim of this cross-sectional exploratory study was to assess occupational sitting behaviour when working at home, and use the Capability Opportunity Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model to identify influences on this behaviour. University staff (n = 267; 69% female; 92% white) who were predominantly working from home completed a questionnaire to assess sitting time, sitting breaks, demographic and occupational characteristics, and a 7-item COM-B questionnaire and open-ended questions to assess influences on time spent sitting whilst working from home. Data were analysed descriptively, a repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine differences in the COM-B items, and binary logistic regression was used to examine predictors of sitting time. Staff spent on average 89.5% (SD = 17.1) of their time sitting whilst working at home, and took an average of 1.36 (1.38) sitting breaks per hour. There were significant and meaningful differences in the influence of the COM factors on ability and willingness to reduce sitting behaviour (p < .0001; ηp 2 = .38), and the open-ended responses added further context. The included variables accounted for 20.7% of variance in sitting behaviour, with age, sitting breaks, motivation-automatic, and opportunity-physical contributing significantly. Working from home leads to elevated levels of sitting, and the COM-B provides a useful model to identify key influences on ability and willingness to reduce sitting. Strategies incorporating regular breaks, habit formation/reversal, and restructuring the physical environment may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailsa Niven
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Graham Baker
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Eva Coral Almeida
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Samantha G Fawkner
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Ruth Jepson
- Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Jillian Manner
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Sarah Morton
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Glenna Nightingale
- Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Divya Sivaramakrishnan
- Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Claire Fitzsimons
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
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36
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Clark BK, Brakenridge CL, Healy GN. The Importance of Research on Occupational Sedentary Behaviour and Activity Right Now. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15816. [PMID: 36497891 PMCID: PMC9738861 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The workplace has been identified as a key setting for public health interventions to 'promote and maintain the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations' by the World Health Organisation [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn K. Clark
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia
| | - Charlotte L. Brakenridge
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia
| | - Genevieve N. Healy
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
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37
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Tiboni-Oschilewski O, Perez-Silva R, Biasini B, Scazzina F. Dietary habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Are work environments part of the problem? FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.961908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed a large number of workers out of their offices and to their homes for a significant period of time for teleworking. However, some workers continued to work in their offices and others went home only partially. This arguably exogenous shock to the way in which workers performed their jobs opened the opportunity to evaluate whether work environments are ideal for promoting healthier diets and reducing overweight among office workers. We explore the results of two consecutive surveys (pre- and during-COVID-19) to examine whether workers working from home perceived their situation as more favorable in terms of healthy eating habits and weight gains. Our results show that workers did perceive their homes as places where they can follow healthier eating habits, but this was not accompanied by weight loss. On the contrary, workers fully teleworking were more likely to perceive weight gains and diet-related health problems than their in-office counterparts. Among teleworkers, those only partially teleworking were the most affected. This study opens many questions about food environments at work that remain unanswered. More studies in this area are needed to understand how the food at work affects the worker's health.
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Waongenngarm P, van der Beek AJ, Akkarakittichoke N, Janwantanakul P. Immediate Effect of Working From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence of Non-Specific Neck and Low Back Pain: A Prospective Cohort Study. Asia Pac J Public Health 2022; 34:849-852. [PMID: 36114708 PMCID: PMC9483132 DOI: 10.1177/10105395221126012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pooriput Waongenngarm
- Faculty of Health Science Technology,
HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy,
Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Allard J. van der Beek
- Department of Public and Occupational
Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije
Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nipaporn Akkarakittichoke
- Inter-Department Program of Biomedical
Sciences, Faculty of Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok,
Thailand
| | - Prawit Janwantanakul
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty
of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Prawit Janwantanakul, Department of
Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University,
Phyathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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Gonzales A, Lin JH, Cha JS. Physical activity changes among office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and the agreement between objective and subjective physical activity metrics. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 105:103845. [PMID: 35930899 PMCID: PMC9296707 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many office workers transitioned to working-from-home (WFH) which altered routine physical activity (PA). To understand how these workers' PA were affected throughout the pandemic, PA data collected in January, April, June, and December 2020 with an activity tracker and a validated survey were analyzed. Between January and December, it was found that step counts during the weekday decreased (p < 0.01), weekday heart rate was higher than weekends (p < 0.01), activity-tracker and self-reported PA decreased (p < 0.01), and sitting time increased (p < 0.01). To understand the agreement between the objective and subjective METs, Bland-Altman analyses were completed and demonstrated an acceptable level of agreement. Findings show decreased level of PA amongst WFH office workers and that the activity tracker and survey are reliable methods of recording WFH PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Gonzales
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, USA
| | - Jia-Hua Lin
- SHARP, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, USA
| | - Jackie S Cha
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, USA.
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40
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Somasundram KG, Hackney A, Yung M, Du B, Oakman J, Nowrouzi-Kia B, Yazdani A. Mental and physical health and well-being of canadian employees who were working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1987. [PMID: 36316683 PMCID: PMC9619010 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14349-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed various aspects of our lives, including how we work. Since the start of the pandemic, numerous organizations in Canada have mandated their employees to work from home (WFH) on a full-time basis. The rapid rise in the number of remote workers and the possibility for WFH continuing in the future signifies the importance of understanding the health and well-being of employees working from home over the course of the pandemic in Canada. We present the findings of two surveys (initial and 6-month follow-up) to examine the health and well-being of WFH employees during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. We analyzed the changes in mental and physical health and well-being of employees who were working from home between two time points during the pandemic. METHODS Initial survey was completed between October 2020 and December 2020 (n = 1617); follow-up survey was completed between May 2021 and June 2021 (n = 382). We calculated the frequencies for survey questions involving demographics, WFH preferences, workstation setup training, employment situation, provision of hardware technologies, provision and usage of software technologies, and organization's return to work plan. We conducted Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to analyze the within-individual changes in mental and physical health and well-being of the 382 respondents who completed both the initial and follow-up surveys. RESULTS Our analyses showed significant changes in various aspects of employee mental and physical health and well-being. Burnout, stress, general mental health, and job insecurity levels significantly decreased between the two time periods. Work-related sedentary behaviour reduced over time; however, the average proportion of time spent sitting during work hours was more than 80% in both surveys. Employees received more help and feedback from their colleagues and experienced a better sense of community with their co-workers over time. CONCLUSION The findings can inform workers and organizations on the changes in mental and physical health and well-being of employees working from home during the pandemic. By understanding the changes in worker health and well-being, employers can develop effective strategies and implement policies that help protect employees' health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumara G Somasundram
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Hackney
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Marcus Yung
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Bronson Du
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Jodi Oakman
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amin Yazdani
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON, Canada.
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
- School of Geographic and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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Wilms P, Schröder J, Reer R, Scheit L. The Impact of "Home Office" Work on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912344. [PMID: 36231651 PMCID: PMC9566552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, as part of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world enacted a wide variety of regulations and laws to contain the incidence of infection. One of these measures was the relocation of work to the home office. The objective of this review was to analyze the influence of the home office in correlation with regulations on sedentary and activity behavior. A search was conducted on various electronic databases from November 2019 to January 2022, using the search terms physical activity (PA), COVID-19, and working from home. The primary outcomes were changes in PA and sedentary behavior (SB). Secondary outcomes included pain, mood, and parenting stress. The risk of bias was assessed using the (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tool. For the review, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria (total n = 1268). There was a significant increase in SB (+16%) and a decrease in PA (-17%), Light PA (-26%), and moderate to vigorous PA (-20%). There was also an increase in pain and parenting stress and a decrease in well-being. Due to our significant results, programs that promote movement should be created. Future studies should explore how an increase of PA and a reduction of SB in the home office could be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Wilms
- Department I–Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Lesserstr. 180, 22049 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schröder
- Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty for Psychology and Human Movement Science, Institute for Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Reer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty for Psychology and Human Movement Science, Institute for Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Scheit
- Department I–Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Lesserstr. 180, 22049 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Schmid A, Anker D, Dubois J, Bureau-Franz I, Piccardi N, Colombo Mottaz S, Cullati S, Chiolero A, Rodondi PY. SARS-CoV-2 infection among employees working from home and on site: An occupational study in Switzerland. Front Public Health 2022; 10:980482. [PMID: 36187688 PMCID: PMC9523570 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.980482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies implemented working from home to mitigate the spread of the disease among their employees. Using data from Corona Immunitas Nestlé, a seroepidemiological study conducted among employees from two Nestlé sites in Switzerland, we aimed to investigate whether there was a difference in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates between employees working most of the time from home and employees mobilized in a workplace equipped with a specialized occupational safety unit and strict sanitary measures. We also investigated whether this association was modified by household size, living with children, vulnerability, worries about an infection, and worries about adverse health consequences if infected. Data were collected between 8 December 2020, and 11 February 2021. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infections were ascertained by the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in the blood. Of the 425 employees included (53% women; mean age 42 years ranging between 21 and 64 years), 37% worked most of the time from home in 2020 and 16% had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Participants who worked most of the time from home in 2020 had slightly higher odds of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared to participants who never or only sometimes worked from home (adjusted OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.73-2.27). The association was stronger in participants living alone or with one other person (adjusted OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.13-6.25). Among participants living with two or more other persons (adjusted OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.30-1.39) and among vulnerable participants (adjusted OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.13-1.93), working from home tended to be associated with lower odds of infection. In conclusion, in a context of strict sanitary measures implemented in the workplace, employees working from home did not seem to be at lower risk of infection compared to those working on site, especially if living alone or with one other person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Schmid
- Institute of Family Medicine, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Alexia Schmid
| | - Daniela Anker
- Population Health Laboratory PopHealthLab, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Julie Dubois
- Institute of Family Medicine, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Stéphane Cullati
- Population Health Laboratory PopHealthLab, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland,Department of Readaptation and Geriatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Chiolero
- Population Health Laboratory PopHealthLab, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland,Institute of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre-Yves Rodondi
- Institute of Family Medicine, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Matthews CE, Saint-Maurice P, Fulton JE, Patel S, Loftfield E, Sampson JN, Keadle SK, Berrigan D. Changes in physical activity and sedentary time in United States adults in response to COVID-19. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273919. [PMID: 36084056 PMCID: PMC9462823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity is associated lower risk for a broad range of non-communicable diseases and early mortality, and even small changes in daily activity levels could have a profound effect on public health at the population level. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life for United States (US) adults resulting in reductions in physical activity early in the pandemic, but its longer-term effects on daily activities are unknown. To examine the longer-term impact of the pandemic on daily activity levels, we conducted a nationwide longitudinal study of 1,635 adults (20–75 years) in AmeriSpeak. Previous-day recalls of time-use, sedentary time, and physical activity were completed on randomly selected days in Fall 2019 (pre-pandemic) and Fall 2020. Overall, US adults reported less time in transportation (-0.47 hrs/d), more total discretionary time (0.40 hrs/d), but no changes in total sedentary time (0.10 hrs/d) or leisure-time physical activity (-0.06 hrs/d). Women reported significantly less total activity (-0.36 hrs/d) and participants with children < 13 yrs reported more sedentary time (0.60 to 0.82 hrs/d) and less moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity (-0.84 to -0.72 hrs/d). Adults without children reported no changes in sedentary time (0.02 hrs/d) or moderate-vigorous intensity activity (-0.06 hrs/d). Adults who started working from home reported no changes in physical activity, but they were among the most sedentary and least active population groups at both timepoints. Our findings describe the complex inter-play between competing behaviors as time-use demands have changed in response to the pandemic, particularly for adults with younger children. Many US adults are likely to continue working from home; therefore, implementation of evidence-based approaches to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time in this growing population subgroup appears warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E. Matthews
- Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Pedro Saint-Maurice
- Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Janet E. Fulton
- Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shreya Patel
- Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Erikka Loftfield
- Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joshua N. Sampson
- Biostatistics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sarah K. Keadle
- Kinesiology and Public Health Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America
| | - David Berrigan
- Health Behaviors Research Branch, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
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44
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Gray CM. The importance of sitting less and moving more. BMJ 2022; 378:o1931. [PMID: 35977729 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.o1931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy M Gray
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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Grubben M, Wiertsema S, Hoekman R, Kraaykamp G. Is Working from Home during COVID-19 Associated with Increased Sports Participation? Contexts of Sports, Sports Location and Socioeconomic Inequality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10027. [PMID: 36011663 PMCID: PMC9408749 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has focused mainly on the association between working from home (WFH) and physical activity, establishing that physical activity diminished among people WFH during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our study, we investigated the association between WFH and specifically sports participation (competitive and non-competitive). We theorized that WFH would offer individuals additional opportunities to practice sports during the pandemic. Governmental restrictions at the time constrained opportunities to participate in organized sports and in sports with others. We, therefore, expected sports participation during the pandemic to be largely restricted to individual participation and participation at home or in the public space. By means of descriptive analyses and adjusted analyses of variance (n = 1506), we found positive associations between WFH and various aspects of sports participation. Lower-educated individuals, in particular, seem to be benefiting from WFH related to their sports participation in the public space, and economically deprived individuals also seem to be benefiting from WFH in regard to their sports participation at home. Our findings extend the literature on physical activity and sports participation among people who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic while offering implications for policies on WFH, sports opportunities in public space and physical activity-friendly environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malou Grubben
- Department of Sociology, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Wiertsema
- Department of Sociology, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Remco Hoekman
- Department of Sociology, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Mulier Institute, P.O. Box 85445, 3508 AK Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerbert Kraaykamp
- Department of Sociology, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Giuseppe LT, Marta C, Elena M, Riccardo G, GianRomolo B, Giancarlo P, Delfo A, Antonio LI, Alice M. Smart working perception in banking companies’ employees during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional pilot study. Work 2022; 73:363-376. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-211152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to make decisions to re-assess working-time and location in order to ensure business survival. The resorting to Smart Working (SW) has been adopted to support business continuity, especially in the banking sector. OBJECTIVE: This study aims at evaluating the attitude and opinions of the bank employees on SW, focusing on the demographic, social and occupational characteristics of the respondents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the attitudes of the banking workers towards SW. The research was conducted from September 2020 to April 2021 through a validated questionnaire administered online. RESULTS: The workers more interested in SW were younger than 45 years old (p < 0.001), with a high educational level (p = 0.001), and lived > 50 km away from the workplace (p < 0.001). Who reported an improved productivity was aged < 45 years, childless (p < 0.001), not married (p = 0.004). Who thought that working in smart mode has penalized the teamwork was older than 45 years (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12-1.73), lived near the office (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.16-2.99). CONCLUSIONS: SW could help finding a balance between private and working life, modifying the traditional working activity. However, it could enhance the risk of social isolation, impacting negatively on the working motivation. Establishing good practices on SW could be useful in the short-term to improve the time-management, focus better on work, and prevent possible psychological consequences on banking workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- La Torre Giuseppe
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiappetta Marta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mazzalai Elena
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gresele Riccardo
- Coordinamento Regionale Veneto Banche di Credito Cooperativo (BCC), Federazione italiana sindacale lavoratori assicurazione e credito (FISAC) CGIL, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Bazzo GianRomolo
- Unione Italiana Lavoratori del Credito, Esattorie ed Assicurazioni, UILCA, Rome, Italy
| | - Pederzolli Giancarlo
- Federazione Italiana Reti dei Servizi del Terziario (FIRST), CISL Alto Adige Trentino Veneto, Rome, Italy
| | - Azzolin Delfo
- Federazione Autonoma Bancari Italiani (FABI), Coordinamento Regionale Veneto Banca di Credito Cooperativo (BCC), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mannocci Alice
- Faculty of Economics, Universitas Mercatorum, Rome, Italy
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47
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Morton S, Fitzsimons C, Jepson R, Saunders DH, Sivaramakrishnan D, Niven A. What works to reduce sedentary behavior in the office, and could these intervention components transfer to the home working environment?: A rapid review and transferability appraisal. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:954639. [PMID: 35966113 PMCID: PMC9372484 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.954639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Working patterns have changed dramatically due to COVID-19, with many workers now spending at least a portion of their working week at home. The office environment was already associated with high levels of sedentary behavior, and there is emerging evidence that working at home further elevates these levels. The aim of this rapid review (PROSPERO CRD42021278539) was to build on existing evidence to identify what works to reduce sedentary behavior in an office environment, and consider whether these could be transferable to support those working at home. Methods The results of a systematic search of databases CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, CINHAL, and SportDiscus from 10 August 2017 to 6 September 2021 were added to the references included in a 2018 Cochrane review of office based sedentary interventions. These references were screened and controlled peer-reviewed English language studies demonstrating a beneficial direction of effect for office-based interventions on sedentary behavior outcomes in healthy adults were included. For each study, two of five authors screened the title and abstract, the full-texts, undertook data extraction, and assessed risk of bias on the included studies. Informed by the Behavior Change Wheel, the most commonly used intervention functions and behavior change techniques were identified from the extracted data. Finally, a sample of common intervention strategies were evaluated by the researchers and stakeholders for potential transferability to the working at home environment. Results Twenty-two studies including 29 interventions showing a beneficial direction of effect on sedentary outcomes were included. The most commonly used intervention functions were training (n = 21), environmental restructuring (n = 21), education (n = 15), and enablement (n = 15). Within these the commonly used behavior change techniques were instructions on how to perform the behavior (n = 21), adding objects to the environment (n = 20), and restructuring the physical environment (n = 19). Those strategies with the most promise for transferring to the home environment included education materials, use of role models, incentives, and prompts. Conclusions This review has characterized interventions that show a beneficial direction of effect to reduce office sedentary behavior, and identified promising strategies to support workers in the home environment as the world adapts to a new working landscape.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021278539, identifier CRD42021278539.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Morton
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Fitzsimons
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Jepson
- Scottish Collaboration of Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David H. Saunders
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Divya Sivaramakrishnan
- Scottish Collaboration of Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ailsa Niven
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Ailsa Niven
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Urtaran-Laresgoiti M, González-Rábago Y, Martín U, Rivadeneyra-Sicilia A, Morteruel M. Health and health inequalities impact assessment for non-clinical measures to control COVID-19 in the Basque Country and Navarre (Spain). J Public Health Res 2022; 11:22799036221110020. [PMID: 35911433 PMCID: PMC9335482 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221110020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes the results of a health and health inequalities impact assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic control measures in the regions of the Basque Country and Navarre in Spain. A literature review was conducted on Pubmed and Web of Science (WoS) databases, in addition to individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups with experts, key informants and different profiles of citizens. A wide variety of social determinants of health have been affected by the measures, which included individual health-related behaviors, service disruption in formal care, educational settings, and health care provision. These changes have particularly affected certain population groups including children and adolescents, older people, those with health conditions and disabilities together with caregivers, women, as well as people with low levels of education, income, and resources. In future scenarios it will be necessary to pay attention to the potential impacts of policy responses on health inequalities to avoid an increase in existing health gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Urtaran-Laresgoiti
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Research Group Social Determinants of Health and Demographic Change-OPIK, Leioa, Spain
| | - Y González-Rábago
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Research Group Social Determinants of Health and Demographic Change-OPIK, Leioa, Spain
| | - U Martín
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Research Group Social Determinants of Health and Demographic Change-OPIK, Leioa, Spain
| | - A Rivadeneyra-Sicilia
- ISPED, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre U1219-, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Morteruel
- Research Group Social Determinants of Health and Demographic Change-OPIK, Leioa, Spain
- Department of Nursing I, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Alòs F, Colomer MÀ, Martin-Cantera C, Solís-Muñoz M, Bort-Roig J, Saigi I, Chirveches-Pérez E, Solà-Gonfaus M, Molina-Aragonés JM, Puig-Ribera A. Effectiveness of a healthcare-based mobile intervention on sedentary patterns, physical activity, mental well-being and clinical and productivity outcomes in office employees with type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1269. [PMID: 35768818 PMCID: PMC9244393 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13676-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged sedentary time is associated with an increased incidence of chronic disease including type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Given that occupational sedentary time contributes significantly to the total amount of daily sedentariness, incorporating programmes to reduce occupational sedentary time in patients with chronic disease would allow for physical, mental and productivity benefits. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-, medium- and long-term effectiveness of a mHealth programme for sitting less and moving more at work on habitual and occupational sedentary behaviour and physical activity in office staff with DM2. Secondary aims. To evaluate the effectiveness on glycaemic control and lipid profile at 6- and 12-month follow-up; anthropometric profile, blood pressure, mental well-being and work-related post-intervention outcomes at 3, 6 and 12 months. METHODS Multicentre randomized controlled trial. A sample size of 220 patients will be randomly allocated into a control (n = 110) or intervention group (n = 110), with post-intervention follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. Health professionals from Spanish Primary Health Care units will randomly invite patients (18-65 years of age) diagnosed with DM2, who have sedentary office desk-based jobs. The control group will receive usual healthcare and information on the health benefits of sitting less and moving more. The intervention group will receive, through a smartphone app and website, strategies and real-time feedback for 13 weeks to change occupational sedentary behaviour. VARIABLES (1) Subjective and objective habitual and occupational sedentary behaviour and physical activity (Workforce Sitting Questionnaire, Brief Physical Activity Assessment Tool, activPAL3TM); 2) Glucose, HbA1c; 3) Weight, height, waist circumference; 4) Total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides; (5) Systolic, diastolic blood pressure; (6) Mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being); (7) Presenteeism (Work Limitations Questionnaire); (8) Impact of work on employees´ health, sickness absence (6th European Working Conditions Survey); (9) Job-related mental strain (Job Content Questionnaire). Differences between groups pre- and post- intervention on the average value of the variables will be analysed. DISCUSSION If the mHealth intervention is effective in reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity in office employees with DM2, health professionals would have a low-cost tool for the control of patients with chronic disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04092738. Registered September 17, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Alòs
- Primary Healthcare Centre Passeig de Sant Joan, Catalan Health Institute, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Mª Àngels Colomer
- Department of Mathematics, ETSEA, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Carlos Martin-Cantera
- Barcelona Research Support Unit, Primary Care Research Institute IDIAP Jordi Gol, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Solís-Muñoz
- Health Care Research Unit, Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital. Nursing and Health Care Research Group, Puerta de Hierro-Segovia de Arana, Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Judit Bort-Roig
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Group, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain
| | - I Saigi
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Vic University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Chirveches-Pérez
- Research Group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Solà-Gonfaus
- Primary Healthcare Centre Les Planes, Catalan Health Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anna Puig-Ribera
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Group, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain
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50
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Wagatsuma Y, Daimaru K, Deng S, Chen JY. Hearing loss and the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:228. [PMID: 35761410 PMCID: PMC9235250 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06120-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Hearing loss is an important public health problem. Its causes vary, including infections, noise, and aging. The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in April 2020 in Japan. During the pandemic, people were urged to stay at home and drastically changed their lifestyles. This study aimed to examine hearing loss before and during the pandemic. The prevalence during the pandemic after April 2020 was compared for the period in 2019. Study subjects were those who received health checkups in both periods. Hearing loss was defined as a hearing threshold of > 30 dB at 1 kHz and > 40 dB at 4 kHz in either ear using pure-tone audiometry. Results A total of 2367 persons presented in both 2019 and 2020. The overall rates of hearing loss were 9.5% and 13.2% before and after the pandemic, respectively. After controlling for age, sex, current smoking, regular exercise and alcohol consumption, the rate of hearing loss showed a significant increase in 2020 (p = < 0.0001). With age stratification, an increase was observed in the participants aged < 40 years (1.3% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001) and 40–59 years (7.2% vs. 12.6%, p < 0.001). Further studies are needed to confirm the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hearing loss. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-022-06120-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Wagatsuma
- Department of Clinical Trials and Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Kaori Daimaru
- Department of Clinical Trials and Clinical Epidemiology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Shiqi Deng
- Department of Clinical Trials and Clinical Epidemiology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Jou-Yin Chen
- Department of Clinical Trials and Clinical Epidemiology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
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