Association of occupation with the daily physical activity and sedentary behaviour of middle-aged workers in Korea: a cross-sectional study based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

ObjectivesThe WHO recommends that adults engage in regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (MVPAs) and muscle-strengthening activities (MSA), and minimise sedentary behaviour. This study aimed to determine the association of occupation with MVPA, MSA and sedentary behaviour in middle-aged Korean workers.Design and settingA cross-sectional study using data from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018).ParticipantsWorkers aged between 40 and 69 years in Korea (n=6359).Outcome measuresPopulation-weighted proportions not meeting the MVPA (＜150 min/week) and MSA (＜2 days/week) guidelines, and with high sedentary behaviour (＞7 hours/day) were calculated, and their associations with sociodemographic and work-related variables were assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses. Additionally, the estimated time spent on MVPA, MSA and sedentary behaviour according to the occupation categories (white-collar, pink-collar and blue-collar) was calculated using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).ResultsThe MVPA level did not show a significant difference across the occupation categories. Blue-collar workers showed significantly lower MSA participation than white-collar and pink-collar workers (male, p=0.006; female, p=0.004; by ANCOVA). High sedentary behaviour was significantly associated with white-collar occupations (p<0.001 by ANCOVA). Longer working hours were negatively associated with MVPA (OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.02) and MSA (OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02). Workers with higher stress were less likely to participate in MSA (male: OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.86; female: OR=1.39, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.80). Self-employed workers showed lower MVPA levels than employees (male: OR=1.26, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.47; female: OR=1.36, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.64). Daily workers compared with full-time workers (OR=0.38, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.59) and temporary workers compared with regular workers (OR=0.75, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.95) were associated with less sedentary behaviour in men.ConclusionA number of work-related factors were associated with PA levels and sedentary behaviour in middle-aged workers. The workplace is one of the critical elements to intervene in health promotion strategies.

The association of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercises with the handgrip strength of middle-aged and elderly Korean adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study

“…The total MVPA level was calculated by multiplying the frequency and duration, while the minutes spent on vigorous-intensity PA were multiplied by two. To assess resistance exercise performance, respondents were asked, “Over the past 7 days, how many days did you do any physical activities specifically designed to strengthen your muscles such as sit-ups, push-ups, lifting weights or dumbbells?” [ 33 ].…”

“…To assess resistance exercise performance, respondents were asked, "Over the past 7 days, how many days did you do any physical activities specifically designed to strengthen your muscles such as sit-ups, push-ups, lifting weights or dumbbells?" [33].…”

Association between physical activity and pulmonary function among middle-aged and older adults

“…The following variables were entered in the model as potential covariates based on previous studies [12,13,24]. Sociodemographic factors: sex, age, scale of residence, household income, education level, marital status, and three-groups of the longest occupation according to the Korean Standard Classi cation of Occupation [25], which is originally categorized into 10 (white collar: manager, professionals and related worker and o ce worker; pink collar: service worker and sales worker; and blue collar: agriculture/forestry/ shery, craft and related trades workers, machine operators and assemblers, labor workers, and soldier). Health behavioral or other related factors: body mass index, smoking status, pack-year of smoking, drinking (more than once in a month: yes or no), hypertension, diabetes, and the year variables.…”