Perceived Availability of Office Shared Spaces and Workplace Sitting: Moderation by Organizational Norms and Behavioral Autonomy

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (7) ◽  
pp. 856-878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takemi Sugiyama ◽  
Nyssa T. Hadgraft ◽  
Genevieve N. Healy ◽  
Neville Owen ◽  
David W. Dunstan

A large amount of time spent sitting is a newly identified health risk. Although desk-based workers spend much of their time at work sitting, little is known about how office spaces may be related to workplace sitting time. This study examined cross-sectional associations of the perceived availability of office shared spaces with workers’ sitting time, and the potential role of workplace normative-social factors in the relationship. Participants ( N = 221) wore an activity monitor (activPAL3) and reported availability of shared spaces (for formal meetings, informal discussion, collaborative working), organizational norms, and workplace behavioral autonomy. No shared-space variables were associated with workplace sitting time. However, the perceived availability of sufficient informal discussion space was associated with lower levels of sitting among those who reported more-supportive organizational norms and greater behavioral autonomy. These findings highlight environmental, organizational, and psychosocial factors that will be important to address in future initiatives to reduce work place sitting time.

Facilities ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 736-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rikke Brinkø ◽  
Susanne Balslev Nielsen ◽  
Juriaan van Meel

Purpose – This paper aims to explore shared use of space and facilities as a concept, and present and illustrate the use of a typology to help classify and describe the different options for sharing space and facilities within buildings for optimised use of a building portfolio. Design/methodology/approach – The content presented is based on a cross-sectional study with an inductive approach. The results are based partly on secondary data in the form of a literature review and a mapping of 20 examples from Europe, USA and Australia, and partly on primary data from observations and interviews with key actors from two cases in Denmark and an illustration case from Ireland. Findings – The typology classifies and describes four archetypes of sharing between different people, building owners and organisations, to be used when discussing, planning, establishing and evaluating new and existing shared spaces. Research limitations/implications – The typology is the result of a first exploration of shared use of facilities and does not claim to be fully comprehensive or final. Practical implications – The typology is intended for both researchers and practitioners, and aims at increasing the understanding of sharing as a way to minimise the need for building new by better utilisation of the existing building stock. Originality/value – Shared space and facilities is a relatively new topic with not much research undertaken. This typology provides a language for discussing shared spaces and a base for further developing the research field.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Antonio Florindo ◽  
Gavin Turrell ◽  
Leandro Martin Totaro Garcia ◽  
João Paulo dos Anjos Souza Barbosa ◽  
Michele Santos Cruz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Sedentary behavior is influenced by contextual, social, and individual factors, including the built environment. However, associations between the built environment and sitting time have not been extensively investigated in countries with economies in transition such as Brazil. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between sitting-time and access to a mix of destinations for adults from Sao Paulo city, Brazil. Methods This study uses data from the Health Survey of Sao Paulo. Sedentary behavior was assessed by a questionnaire using two questions: total sitting time in minutes on a usual weekday; and on a usual weekend day. The mix of destinations was measured by summing the number of facilities (comprising bus stops, train/subway stations, parks, squares, public recreation centres, bike paths, primary health care units, supermarkets, food stores, bakeries, and coffee-shops) within 500 m of each participant’s residence. Minutes of sitting time in a typical weekday and weekend day were the outcomes and the mix of destinations score in 500 m buffers was the exposure variable. Associations between the mix of destinations and sitting time were examined using multilevel linear regression: these models accounted for clustering within census tracts and households and adjusted for environmental, sociodemographic, and health-related factors. Results After adjustment for covariates, the mix of destinations was inversely associated with minutes of sitting time on a weekday (β=− 8.8, p=0.001) and weekend day (β=− 6.1, p=0.022). People who lived in areas with a greater mix of destinations had shorter average sitting times. Conclusion Greater mix of destinations within 500 m of peoples’ residences was inversely associated with sitting time on a typical weekday and weekend day. In Latin American cities like Sao Paulo built environments more favorable for walking may contribute to reducing sedentary behavior and prevent associated chronic disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard S. Mayne ◽  
Nigel D. Hart ◽  
Neil Heron

Abstract Background Sedentary behaviour is when someone is awake, in a sitting, lying or reclining posture and is an independent risk factor for multiple causes of morbidity and mortality. A dose-response relationship has been demonstrated, whereby increasing sedentary time corresponds with increasing mortality rate. This study aimed to identify current levels of sedentary behaviour among General Practitioners (GPs), by examining and synthesising how sedentary behaviour has been measured in the primary care literature. Methods A systematic review was conducted to identify studies relating to levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs. Searches were performed using Medline®, Embase®, PscycINFO, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library, from inception of databases until January 2020, with a subsequent search of grey literature. Articles were assessed for quality and bias, with extraction of relevant data. Results The search criteria returned 1707 studies. Thirty four full texts were reviewed and 2 studies included in the final review. Both were cross-sectional surveys using self-reported estimation of sedentary time within the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Keohane et al. examined GP trainees and GP trainers in Ireland. 60% reported spending in excess of 7 h sitting each day, 24% between 4 and 7 h, and 16% less than or equal to 4 h. Suija et al. examined female GPs in Estonia. The mean reported daily sitting time was 6 h and 36 min, with 56% sitting for over 6 h per day. Both studies were of satisfactory methodological quality but had a high risk of bias. Conclusion There is a paucity of research examining current levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs. Objective data is needed to determine GPs’ current levels of sedentary behaviour, particularly in light of the increase in remote consulting as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1229
Author(s):  
Jose Luis Perez-Lasierra ◽  
Martin Laclaustra ◽  
Pilar Guallar-Castillón ◽  
Jose Antonio Casasnovas ◽  
Jose Antonio Casajús ◽  
...  

Sedentarism is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but currently it is not clear how a sedentary behavior such as long sitting time can affect atherosclerosis development. This study examined the relationship between sitting time and the prevalence of carotid and femoral subclinical atherosclerosis. A cross-sectional analysis based on a subsample of 2082 participants belonging to the Aragon Workers’ Health Study was carried out. Ultrasonography was used to assess the presence of plaques in carotid and femoral territories; the validated Spanish version of the questionnaire on the frequency of engaging in physical activity used in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals’ was used to assess physical activity and sitting time; and demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were obtained by trained personnel during the annual medical examination. Participants were categorized into <9 h/day and ≥9 h/day sitting time groups. After adjusting for several confounders, compared with participants that remain seated <9 h/day, those participants who remain seated ≥9 h/day had, respectively, OR = 1.25 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.55, p < 0.05) and OR = 1.38 (95%CI: 1.09, 1.74, p < 0.05) for carotid and any-territory plaque presence. Remaining seated ≥9 h/day is associated with higher odds for carotid and any-territory plaque presence independently of physical activity levels and other cardiovascular risk factors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 53-57
Author(s):  
Kalika Gupta ◽  
Mitin Parmar ◽  
Pranav Bhavsar ◽  
Milan Chaudhary

BACKGROUND Occupational lung diseases are diseases affecting the respiratory system, including occupational asthma, black lung disease and many more. Workers exposed to marble dust stand an increased risk of suffering from asthma symptoms, chronic bronchitis, nasal inflammation and impairment of lung functions. The recognition of occupational causes can be made difficult by years of latency between exposure in the workplace and the occurrence of disease. Through this study, authors have established the importance of early identification of symptoms of occupational lung diseases and the importance of preventive measures that can be applied to reduce incidence of such diseases. METHODS This was a cross sectional community-based study conducted on 340 marble mining or cutting workers of Rajnagar [Morwar], Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, for a duration of three months. Workers were clinically examined and asked about environmental conditions and use of preventive measures through a questionnaire designed by the investigators and with the help of pamphlets and videos, educational interventions were provided. RESULTS Almost 90 % of the workers didn’t use protective measure like mask or shield. Among the 10 % workers who were using safety measures, 60 % were using face mask and 20 % were using apron at the work place. After the educational intervention given by investigators, around 63 % had started using various safety measures. CONCLUSIONS Early interventions after development of symptoms are important as they can decrease chances of further worsening of the condition. Health education, periodic health check-ups and use of protective measures are the essence in preventing occupational lung diseases. KEYWORDS Occupational Lung Disease, Cough, Marble Workers, Silicosis


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abubakar O Aliyu ◽  
Waheed A Adedeji ◽  
Adekunle Daniel ◽  
Tajudeen Yusuf ◽  
Paul A Onakoya ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Navy personnel are exposed to several risk factors that increase hearing thresholds and impair hearing. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hearing impairment among Nigerian Navy personnel. Materials and Method: This was a cross sectional study of Nigerian Navy personnel working in various ships. Structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on hearing. All the subjects had ear examination and pure tone audiometry of both ears. Results: The prevalence of hearing impairment was 22(14.7%) in the right and 17(11.3%) in the left ears. The Pure Tone Average for the right and left ear were 19.0±8.6dB and 17.4±6.7dB respectively. There was a statistically significant association between noisy work place and total hearing loss (p<.01), pure tone average in the left ear (p<.05) and frequencies of 3000 Hz (p<.05), 2000 Hz (p<.001) and 1000Hz (p<.05) in the left ear. The association between past history of ear infections and pure tone average in the left ear (p<.05) and the frequency 2000 Hz (p<.005) in the left ear were significant. The length of service years, occupational group, age, sex report of change in hearing, non-use of hearing protection and presence of tinnitus did not show significant association with pure tone averages nor on the frequencies tested. Conclusion: The significant unilateral hearing impairment on the right ear suggests the need for more research on hearing impairment in the Nigerian Navy as well as development of a comprehensive hearing conservation programme.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Zalewski

The aim of paper is a presentation an idea of shared space in the cities and results of implementation of this solution in the cities of Poland. The methodology of elaboration consisted of carrying out a review of the literature, comparing existing solutions and formulating conclusions regarding implementation. This trend, which has appeared over the past 50 years as a counterbalance to the pedestrianization of public spaces, is at the beginning of the 21st century experiencing its second youth and is being implemented in many areas in intensive urban development, especially in urban centers and areas of historic character. Shared space solutions are an integral way of shaping functions and forms of revitalized public spaces. These solutions contributes to improving the quality of public space and traffic safety, revitalizing social life, improving and reducing the environmental nuisance caused by traffic and finally created liveable city. Analyzes effectuated indicate, that in central areas of cities in Poland whose spatial arrangement is legally protected, the forms of shared spaces solutions are strongly influenced by strong conservation restrictions in these areas. This means the need  to respect existing historical conditions in shaping public spaces, as well as limited transformation possibilities. The Polish solutions of shared spaces presented in this paper of in their forms and quality do not differ from the standard functional solutions abroad. Solutions implemented in the Polish conditions, however, are more modest in terms of materials and implemented in a smaller number than is the case in Western European countries. Keywords: Shared spaces, Traffic calming, Cities of Poland, Creation of public space


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurzakiah Hasan MKM ◽  
Veni Hadju ◽  
Nurhaedar Jafar ◽  
Ridwan M. Thaha

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is related to the increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Teacher profession is an adult group with various risks of NCDs. This study aims to assess the determinants of the MetS in teachers with central obesity. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia with cross- sectional study design on 12 secondary schools. The number of samples in this study was 129 teachers. The prevalence of the MetS was determined using criteria from the Joint Interim Statement, while physical activity and sitting time were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Respondents in our study were mostly women (78.3%) with an average age of 49.8 years. The prevalence of the MetS in our study population was 39.5%. The prevalence of the Mets was higher in Buginese ethnic (70.6%), respondents with more income (56.9%), bachelor degree (80.4%), married (98%), family history of diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and heart diseases (52.9%), and moderate physical activity (37.3%). There was a significant relationship between sitting time 4 hours; p=0.004), parameters of Mets (p<0.001), LDL (p=0.026), and LDL/HDL ratio (p<0.001) with the Mets. Conclusions: The prevalence of the Mets is high among obese teachers in our study population. Sitting time was an important determinant for MetS among obese teachers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205031211982708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco José Gondim Pitanga ◽  
Sheila Maria Alvim Matos ◽  
Maria da Conceição C. Almeida ◽  
Ana Luísa Patrão ◽  
Maria del Carmen Bisi Molina ◽  
...  

Objectives: To assess associations, both individually and in combination, between leisure-time physical activity and sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic health. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 13,931 civil servants participating in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Leisure-time physical activity was analyzed using the leisure-time domain of the long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire, while questions related to cumulative sitting time and leisure-based screen time on a weekday and on one day on the weekend were used to establish sedentary behavior. Data analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Following adjustment for confounding variables, high levels of leisure-time physical activity and low levels of sedentary behavior were both associated with favorable cardiometabolic health markers in both genders. When these two factors were analyzed in conjunction, taking the combination of low levels of leisure-time physical activity and high levels of sedentary behavior as the reference, the inverse associations with cardiometabolic variables became even more significant. Conclusion: High levels of leisure-time physical activity and low levels of sedentary behavior were both inversely associated with the cardiometabolic variables analyzed; however, the two variables when evaluated in conjunction appear to produce more consistent associations, particularly when sedentary behavior is evaluated according to leisure-based screen time.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Arundell ◽  
Jo Salmon ◽  
Harriet Koorts ◽  
Ana Maria Contardo Ayala ◽  
Anna Timperio

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