Sedentary Behaviour Among General Practitioners: A Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundSedentary 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsThe search criteria returned 1707 studies. 34 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 hours sitting each day, 24% between 4 and 7 hours, and 16% less than or equal to 4 hours. Suija et al. examined female GPs in Estonia. The mean reported daily sitting time was 6 hours and 36 minutes, with 56% sitting for over 6 hours per day. Both studies were of satisfactory methodological quality but had a high risk of bias.ConclusionThere 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.

Sedentary Behavior Among School-aged Students During Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Sedentary behavior has a relationship with health conditions, including mental health, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and breast, colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancers [36]. In addition, sedentary behavior also has a negative impact on mental health, namely anxiety disorders and depression [37], [38]. In another study, sedentary behavior can also increase the risk of insomnia and sleep disturbances [39].…”

Exploration of sedentary behaviour among GPs: a cross-sectional study

“…A recent systematic review, conducted by the authors, identified two previous studies reporting levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs [36]. Keohane et al examined GP trainees and GP trainers in Ireland in 2018, when 60% reported spending in excess of seven hours, 24% between four and seven hours, and 16% less than or equal to four hours sitting each day [28].…”