Level of Sedentary Behavior and Its Associated Factors among Saudi Women Working in Office-Based Jobs in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Research in Saudi Arabia has revealed a shocking level of insufficiently physically active adults, particularly women. The risk of sedentary behavior will likely increase as the number of women with office-based jobs increases. The aim of this study is to determine the level of sedentary behavior, and its associated factors, among Saudi women working office-based jobs in the city of Riyadh. A cross-sectional study of 420 Saudi female employees at 8 office-based worksites were measured to determine body mass index and were given a self-administered survey to evaluate their level of physical activity and sedentary behavior. Median sitting time on work days was 690 min per day (interquartile range, IQR 541–870), with nearly half accumulated during work hours, and 575 min per day (IQR 360–780) on non-work days. Predictors of work day sitting time were level of education, number of children, and working in the private sector. Number of children, whether they were single, and whether they lived in a small home were found to predict non-work day sitting time. This study identifies Saudi women in office-based jobs as a high-risk group for sedentary behavior. There is a need to promote physical activity at worksites and reduce prolonged sitting.

Correlates of sedentary behaviour in Asian adults: A systematic review

“…Similarly, higher education was positively associated with occupational SB in studies that considered work days and working adults . Associations became non‐significant during non‐working days and were not consistent in the general population.…”

“…Psychological correlates were examined in six of the 49 studies, five of which regressed them against total SB . Outcome expectations (impact of sitting), self‐efficacy, and perceived social support were not associated with SB in the study on Saudi working women . The presence of anxiety symptoms or depression was positively associated with total SB in two large multi‐country studies .…”

Overweight and obesity among adults in the Gulf States: A systematic literature review of correlates of weight, weight‐related behaviours, and interventions

“…Residing close to parks was related to higher levels of PA . Furthermore, being married, working in the private sector, working two shifts, or having only 1 day off during the week were associated with low PA . Participants with more family members were physically less active .…”

“…First, the results of the 84 eligible correlate studies are described, followed by the data on the seven intervention studies …”

“…All correlate studies were cross‐sectional, except for one longitudinal study . Half of the studies were performed in Saudi Arabia, and a large number were performed in Kuwait . Approximately 30% of studies involved university students.…”