Understanding and Influencing Occupational Sedentary Behavior: A Mixed-Methods Approach in a Multiethnic Asian Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Xin Wang ◽  
Jiaxuan Chen ◽  
Norbert L. Wagner ◽  
Salome A. Rebello ◽  
Nicholas Alexander Petrunoff ◽  
...  

We aim to assess sedentary behavior (SB) and its determinants, as well as potential strategies to reduce SB among employees in a tertiary hospital in Singapore, using a mixed-methods approach grounded in the socioecological framework. All employees with email and security guards of a tertiary hospital in Singapore were invited to complete a questionnaire that captured sociodemographics and self-reported domain-specific SB. Environmental influences of occupational SB were assessed using an adapted version of the Checklist for Health Promotion Environments at the Worksite (CHEW). Focus group discussion (FGD) addressed perceptions, barriers, and strategies toward reducing workplace SB. Analyses were performed separately and integrated using an inductive comparative approach. The median occupational sitting time ( n = 938) was 300 minutes/day, and highest among administrative staff (administrative, 421 minutes/day; allied health, 300 minutes/day; ancillary, 300 minutes/day; nursing, 120 minutes/day; medical/dental/others, 240 minutes/day; p value: <.001). The CHEW assessment identified poor physical and information environment contributing to occupational SB. FGDs confirmed an unsupportive environment and elicited barriers such as low SB awareness, nature of work, and workplace norms. Besides environmental approaches, participants suggested having face-to-face communication and social modelling to promote more breaks from sitting. This mixed-methods study among diverse professional groups of a tertiary hospital indicated a large amount of occupational SB, particularly among administrative staff. Raising awareness of the health risks of SB and building a supportive organizational culture, information, and physical environment emerged as significant factors. To reduce occupational SB, multicomponent interventions addressing these diverse factors are warranted.

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 186-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Takemoto ◽  
Suneeta Godbole ◽  
Dori E Rosenberg ◽  
Camille Nebeker ◽  
Loki Natarajan ◽  
...  

Abstract Research is needed on interventions targeting sedentary behavior with appropriate behavior-change tools. The current study used convergent sequential mixed methods (QUAN + qual) to explore tool use during a edentary behavior intervention. Data came from a two-arm randomized sedentary behavior pilot intervention. Participants used a number of intervention tools (e.g., prompts and standing desks). Separate mixed-effects regression models explored associations between change in number of tools and frequency of tool use with two intervention targets: change in sitting time and number of sit-to-stand transitions overtime. Qualitative data explored participants’ attitudes towards intervention tools. There was a significant relationship between change in total tool use and sitting time after adjusting for number of tools (β = −12.86, p = .02), demonstrating that a one-unit increase in tool use was associated with an almost 13 min reduction in sitting time. In contrast, there was a significant positive association between change in number of tools and sitting time after adjusting for frequency of tool use (β = 63.70, p = .001), indicating that increasing the number of tools without increasing frequency of tool use was associated with more sitting time. Twenty-four semistructured interviews were coded and a thematic analysis revealed four themes related to tool use: (a) prompts to disrupt behavior; (b) tools matching the goal; (c) tools for sit-to-stand were ineffective; and (d) tool use evolved over time. Participants who honed in on effective tools were more successful in reducing sitting time. Tools for participants to increase sit-to-stand transitions were largely ineffective. This study is registered at clincialtrials.gov. Identifier: NCT02544867


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manon L. Dontje ◽  
Calum F. Leask ◽  
Juliet Harvey ◽  
Dawn A. Skelton ◽  
Sebastien F.M. Chastin

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elitsa Alexander ◽  
Martin J. Eppler ◽  
Sabrina Bresciani

In this article, we propose an innovative mixed methods research (MMR) technique and discuss its theory and applications. The visual replay methodology (VRM) is a new graphic way to investigate the discourse patterns during software-aided small group discussions. A visually supported conversation is recorded through screen capturing and replayed to reconstruct how the discussion has unfolded. The VRM responds to the “integration challenge” that the MMR community is facing—by employing the power of visualization, data integration is leveraged to a new level, where visual synergy gains enable a “value-added” research outcome. By employing multigenre integration and a moderately pragmatic approach, the VRM reduces the researcher–subject power-relation gap and contributes to some long-standing MMR debates regarding reflexivity and participation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Compernolle ◽  
Greet Cardon ◽  
Hidde P van der Ploeg ◽  
Femke Van Nassau ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Although healthy aging can be stimulated by the reduction of sedentary behavior, few interventions are available for older adults. Previous studies suggest that self-monitoring might be a promising behavior change technique to reduce older adults’ sedentary behavior. However, little is known about older adults’ experiences with a self-monitoring–based intervention aimed at the reduction of sedentary behavior. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate engagement, acceptability, usability, and preliminary efficacy of a self-monitoring–based mHealth intervention developed to reduce older adults’ sedentary behavior. METHODS A mixed methods study was performed among 28 community-dwelling older adults living in Flanders, Belgium. The 3-week intervention consisted of general sedentary behavior information as well as visual and tactile feedback on participants’ sedentary behavior. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore engagement with, and acceptability and usability of, the intervention. Sitting time was measured using the thigh-worn activPAL (PAL Technologies) accelerometer before and after the intervention. System usage data of the app were recorded. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired-samples <i>t</i> tests; qualitative data were thematically analyzed and presented using pen profiles. RESULTS Participants mainly reported positive feelings regarding the intervention, referring to it as motivating, surprising, and interesting. They commonly reported that the intervention changed their thinking (ie, they became more aware of their sedentary behavior) but not their actual behavior. There were mixed opinions on the kind of feedback (ie, tactile vs visual) that they preferred. The intervention was considered easy to use, and the design was described as clear. Some problems were noticed regarding attaching and wearing the self-monitoring device. System usage data showed that the median frequency of consulting the app widely differed among participants, ranging from 0 to 20 times a day. No significant reductions were found in objectively measured sitting time. CONCLUSIONS Although the intervention was well perceived by the majority of older adults, no reductions in sitting time were found. Possible explanations for the lack of reductions might be the short intervention duration or the fact that only bringing the habitual sedentary behavior into conscious awareness might not be sufficient to achieve behavior change. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04003324; https://tinyurl.com/y2p4g8hx


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e001279
Author(s):  
Jay Slater ◽  
Salahuddin Malik ◽  
Peter Davey ◽  
Suzanne Grant

A Scottish general practitioner (GP) practice proposed an improvement intervention, shorter pre-bookable ‘review’ appointments, to increase appointment capacity and meet their patients’ demand for appointments. Staff are now able to pre-book these review appointments for patients, guaranteeing that the patient will see the same GP or advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) for both initial and review appointments. By shortening the review appointments, more patients were seen each day, hence the appointment capacity increased. The aim of this project was to examine the impact of the improvement intervention, pre-bookable review appointments, using a mixed-methods approach. Ethnographic methods (non-participant observation, participant observation and eight semistructured interviews with administrative staff) provided qualitative data, to understand the appointment system and to identify areas for further improvement. Quantitative data were then collected to assess: the number of patients receiving ‘on the day’ appointments, with the aim for this to be 95% (outcome measure); by how much the number of appointments available had increased (process measure) and the administrative staff workload (balancing measure). During a 7-week period, 3 months post-intervention, a median of 93% of patients received an ‘on the day’ appointment when they phoned for one between 08:00 and 09:00. The number of appointments available increased by 43%. Administrative staff workload (number of calls received per day) remained the same. Patients prefer being able to book in to see the same GP (continuity of care) and the ability to book in advance. Administrative staff workload decreased in terms of dealing with less frustrated patients. Main suggestions for improvement include introducing later appointments for workers and text reminders for pre-booked (review and online) appointments. The introduction of pre-bookable review appointments improved patient accessibility in the practice. Next steps for improving the appointment system include gaining clinician (GP/ANP) opinions on review appointments and trialling later appointments.


10.2196/18653 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e18653
Author(s):  
Sofie Compernolle ◽  
Greet Cardon ◽  
Hidde P van der Ploeg ◽  
Femke Van Nassau ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
...  

Background Although healthy aging can be stimulated by the reduction of sedentary behavior, few interventions are available for older adults. Previous studies suggest that self-monitoring might be a promising behavior change technique to reduce older adults’ sedentary behavior. However, little is known about older adults’ experiences with a self-monitoring–based intervention aimed at the reduction of sedentary behavior. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate engagement, acceptability, usability, and preliminary efficacy of a self-monitoring–based mHealth intervention developed to reduce older adults’ sedentary behavior. Methods A mixed methods study was performed among 28 community-dwelling older adults living in Flanders, Belgium. The 3-week intervention consisted of general sedentary behavior information as well as visual and tactile feedback on participants’ sedentary behavior. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore engagement with, and acceptability and usability of, the intervention. Sitting time was measured using the thigh-worn activPAL (PAL Technologies) accelerometer before and after the intervention. System usage data of the app were recorded. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired-samples t tests; qualitative data were thematically analyzed and presented using pen profiles. Results Participants mainly reported positive feelings regarding the intervention, referring to it as motivating, surprising, and interesting. They commonly reported that the intervention changed their thinking (ie, they became more aware of their sedentary behavior) but not their actual behavior. There were mixed opinions on the kind of feedback (ie, tactile vs visual) that they preferred. The intervention was considered easy to use, and the design was described as clear. Some problems were noticed regarding attaching and wearing the self-monitoring device. System usage data showed that the median frequency of consulting the app widely differed among participants, ranging from 0 to 20 times a day. No significant reductions were found in objectively measured sitting time. Conclusions Although the intervention was well perceived by the majority of older adults, no reductions in sitting time were found. Possible explanations for the lack of reductions might be the short intervention duration or the fact that only bringing the habitual sedentary behavior into conscious awareness might not be sufficient to achieve behavior change. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04003324; https://tinyurl.com/y2p4g8hx


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 951-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothee Meyer ◽  
Pia Schmidt ◽  
Boris Zernikow ◽  
Julia Wager

Background: Multidisciplinary teamwork is considered central to pediatric palliative care. Although different studies state that volunteers play an essential role in palliative care, little is known about the collaboration between volunteers and staff. Aim: This study aims to explore and compare the perspectives of volunteers and staff regarding collaboration in a pediatric palliative care unit. Design: A mixed-methods approach was chosen to appropriately reflect the complex aspects of collaboration. Setting/Participants: Both face-to-face interviews with staff who work together with volunteers and a group discussion with all volunteers were conducted. These were supplemented by 2 questionnaires designed for this study that examined participants’ characteristics and their estimation of what information volunteers need before they meet a patient. Results: Nine staff members and 7 volunteers participated in this study. Their ideas of collaboration could be grouped into 3 categories: (i) factual level of collaboration, (ii) relationship level of collaboration, and (iii) overall appraisal of collaboration (suggestions for improvement). Conclusion: Communication can be considered a key factor in successful collaboration between volunteers and staff. Because many patients in pediatric palliative care units are not able to communicate verbally, good information flow between volunteers and staff is crucial for ensuring quality patient care. Moreover, communication is the key to establishing a team philosophy by clarifying roles and building relationships between volunteers and staff.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kahilu Samuyachi ◽  
Mowa Zambwe ◽  
Mutale Sampa ◽  
Peter J. Chipimo

Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID 19 among homeless street young adults in Lusaka district, Zambia. Methods: A total of 89 young street adults aged between 16-35 years were sampled. A concurrent mixed methods approach was used, Structured questionnaires and focused group discussion, to achieve the objectives. STATA 13 was used to produce Descriptive statistics while thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Results: Majority of the survey participants were male 67(78%), 55(62%) were single while 53(59%) had attained a Primary School Education. The majority of the participants received the COVID 19 information through the radio (61%). Only 44 (49%)% had adequate knowledge on COVID 19 of whom 70 (78.6%) had a positive attitude towards COVID 19. However, the 65(73%) had a low risk perception of contracting the disease. Further, 66 (74.2%) had a positive attitude towards the effectiveness of precautionary behaviors and measures. The finding also revealed that only 3(3.3%) had good practice towards the Covid-19 preventative measures overall with (SD:0). Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 were quite high among homeless street adults. However, their good practices were alarmingly low. Specific strategies for them being a vulnerable group are required.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-86
Author(s):  
Liezel Hurter ◽  
Anna M. Cooper-Ryan ◽  
Zoe R. Knowles ◽  
Lorna A. Porcellato ◽  
Stuart J. Fairclough ◽  
...  

Purpose: Accurately measuring sedentary behavior (SB) in children is challenging by virtue of its complex nature. While self-report questionnaires are susceptible to recall errors, accelerometer data lacks contextual information. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of using accelerometry combined with the Digitising Children’s Data Collection (DCDC) for Health application (app), to capture SB comprehensively. Methods: 74 children (9–10 years old) wore ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers for 7 days. Each received a SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab4 (SM-T230) tablet, with the DCDC app installed and a specially designed sedentary behavior study downloaded. The app uses four data collection tools: 1) Questionnaire, 2) Take a photograph, 3) Draw a picture, and 4) Record my voice. Children self-reported their SB daily. Accelerometer data were analyzed using R-package GGIR. App data were downloaded and individual participant profiles created. SBs reported were grouped into categories and reported as frequencies. Results: Participants spent, on average, 629 min (i.e., 73% of their waking time) sedentary. App data revealed most of their out-of-school SB consisted of screen time (112 photos, 114 drawings, and screen time mentioned 135 times during voice recordings). Playing with toys, reading, arts and crafts, and homework were also reported across all four data capturing tools on the app. On an individual level, data from the app often explained irregular patterns in physical activity and SB observed in accelerometer data. Conclusion: This mixed methods approach to assessing SB adds context to accelerometer data, providing researchers with information needed for intervention design.


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