Sedentary behaviour as a lifestyle risk factor in public health - Evidence of white-collar and blue-collar workers from Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Relief from routine physical tasks leads to increasingly sedentary behaviour (SB) - a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases. It is necessary to gather interdisciplinary knowledge about the possibilities of its reduction. The aim of the study is to analyse SB and its conditions among Polish white-collar and blue-collar workers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is based on data retrieved from a large-scale survey used to collect information on the physical activity of Polish society. The data were gathered on a representative sample of Poles at working age ≤69 years old in 2017 (n=2,131). The Polish long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF) was used. Statistical inference was based on non-parametric (U-Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis) tests. RESULTS: The total average sitting time of the respondents was 1,958.5 min./week. White-collar workers are more likely (p 7.5 h/day (20.2% vs 9%), and blue-collar - ≤4.5 h/day (56.5% vs 42.1%). On a weekday, white-collar workers are sitting significantly longer. The bigger the place of residence, the longer the time sitting in both groups (p=0.000). The time of sitting on a non-working day does not differ among white-collar (221.4 min./day) and blue-collar workers (230.4 min./day). White-collar workers sit longer in vehicles (p <0.0001): 482.4 vs blue-collar workers 326.8 min./week. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a change in Polish recommendations regarding the SB. Blue-collar and white-collar workers need support from the State policy in this matter and need guidance from pro-health programmes. It is necessary to intensify coherent, interdisciplinary and intersectoral activities aimed at creating environments that effectively counteract SB in the place of work and residence, especially in the larger agglomerations.

Is the Prevalence of Low Physical Activity among Teachers Associated with Depression, Anxiety, and Stress?

The aim of this study was to analyze the levels of stress, depression, and anxiety among Polish secondary school teachers and their association with selected psychosocial, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 Polish teachers in 2019, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and author questionnaire including psychosocial factors specific to the respondents' work environment. The prevalence of moderately to extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and symptoms of stress in teachers was 18.1%, 22.4%, and 51.7%, respectively. Among respondents with moderate or high physical activity level (PAL), normal or mild levels of depression (OR = 3.62; CI [1.31-10.03]), anxiety (OR = 2.61; CI [1.01-6.73]), and stress (OR = 2.79; CI [1.16-6.69]) were more common. The level of individual symptoms of mental disorders was higher than indicated by previous Polish reports. Given that teachers' low PAL is significantly related to their moderately to extremely severe levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, we suggest running leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) enhancement programs and supporting the leadership of school management and the higher-education system in this regard.

Sociodemographic Determinants of Physical Inactivity of People Aged 60 Years and Older: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate general physical activity (PA) level on the basis of leisure time and transportation physical activity (LTPA and TPA), assess the percentage of persons not meeting PA recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and evaluate the relationship between selected sociodemographic factors and physical inactivity. METHODS: The paper is based on data (n = 7,347) retrieved from five large-scale surveys (2014-2018) used to collect information on the PA of Polish society. In order to meet the aim of the paper, we selected a sample of 2,023 Poles aged ≥ 60 years old. In each wave, the Polish long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to investigate the differences between the types and volume of PA and sociodemographic variables. Relationships between physical inactivity and analysed variables were evaluated using log-linear analysis. To capture relationships between physical inactivity and a set of explanatory variables, a predictive model was built. RESULTS: The total average energy expenditure amounted to 1879.5 ± 2352.5 MET-min/week, including LTPA (938.5 ± 1491.9 MET-min/week) and TPA (944.8 ± 1322.4 MET-min/week). Over the course of the last two years of the study, the average value of MET-min/week increased significantly (p < 0.05); however, prohealth WHO norms are not met by nearly 40% of Poles. Sex determines the volume of LTPA and TPA (p < 0.05) but does not determine the inactivity of seniors. Place of residence and education differentiate participation in LTPA and TPA. The lower the education level and the smaller the place of residence, the greater the inactivity. CONCLUSIONS: The target for future interventions should be people aged 60+ living in villages and small towns (especially those with primary education). It is necessary to undertake educational and motivational programmes promoting PA. It is essential to develop detailed recommendations and to create a friendly and supportive environment.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity Participation Trends 2014-2018: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland.

Objective, the aim is an analysis of sociodemographic factors that had an essential relation with undertaking leisure-time physical activity-LTPA (with particular emphasis on World Health Organization (WHO) health recommendations) by adult Poles from a time-trend perspective. Methods, the paper is based on data retrieved from five large-scale surveys carried out on the representative samples of Poles aged 15-69 in 2014-2018 (n = 7347). In each wave, the Polish long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Results, the participation of Poles in LTPA constantly increases (p < 0.001) and the percentage of people meeting the dose of PA required for health recommendations is growing (on average, met by 43.9% of Polish men and 43.5% of women), which indicates a trend of behaviour of citizens of this country. The probability of realisation of WHO norms was determined by sex, age, place of residence and occupational status. Conclusion: it seems reasonable to develop Polish recommendations and guidelines for specific groups, including females and males, those who live in the villages and in the towns, different age groups: children/adolescents, adults (aged 50 to 59-most vulnerable to physical inactivity), the elderly, and various professional groups (especially farmers and physical workers).

Stay active for life: physical activity across life stages.

PURPOSE: This paper concerns participation of Poles aged 15+ years in leisure time and transport-related physical activity (PA) with a special focus on the life stages. The purpose of the paper was to analyze types of exercises, current and future behavior concerning PA, availability of sport and recreation facilities, and factors having the strongest relation with undertaking PA at a sufficient level according to pro-health recommendations of World Health Organization (WHO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey was carried out on the representative sample (n=2,000). Respondents were classified in accordance to their life stages with a two-step cluster analysis. Relationships between meeting the dose of PA required for health recommendations and a membership in groups of life stages were evaluated using log-linear analysis. The strength of this relationship was expressed by the odds ratio. In order to capture relationships between meeting WHO recommendations and a set of explanatory variables, a predictive model was built. RESULTS: Life stages and various related events have a significant relation with a decrease of PA. Among groups of a particular risk, there are professionally active and unemployed people aged 50-64 years without children as well as retirees aged 65+ years who do not meet WHO recommendations (45.3; 50.4% and 47.6%). The unemployed and retirees more frequently (p<0.0001) do not or cannot practice sport and do not think that a change of their situation is expected soon. However, 35% of professionally active people aged 50-64 years without children and 18.2% of unemployed people declare that they are currently not active but if they had the possibility, they would start practicing sport. CONCLUSION: Campaigns promoting PA should be targeted at groups of a particular risk. Any attempts of increasing PA or changing tendencies of its decrease should consider life conditions of these persons, as well as their needs, motivations, and barriers.

Leisure-time physical activity as a compensation for sedentary behaviour of professionally active population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to estimate leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) of the professionally-active population as a factor in early preventive medicine and diagnosing threats of occupational diseases. It was the basis for an analysis of the realisation of a pro-health dose of physical activity recommended by WHO (depending on the profession). OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: A survey based on IPAQ-LV was realised in 2014-2015 on a representative sample of Poles (n = 2039). The work presents results for professionally-active people (n = 985). In order to verify statistically significant differences a Chi2, U-Mann Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis H tests were implemented. RESULTS: LTPA Index for the whole group was 895.6±1514.3 MET-minutes/week. No statistical relationship was found between the survey wave and the LTPA factor and particular activities: VPA, MPA and walking. The LTPA value was significantly related (Chi2 = 19.9; p < 0.001) to the profession. LTPA Index was highest among the higher social stratification groups (directors/managers/owners: 1492.7±2348.1, higher level office workers: 957.6±1268.3, other office workers: 973.0±1677.5 MET-minutes/week) and the lowest among skilled workers (744.8±1325.8 MET-minutes/week). As many as 61.1% of respondents did not meet WHO recommendations. During week days, the greatest time spent sitting (Chi2 = 0.000; p < 0.05) was stated for higher level office workers (6.4±4.2 hours/day) and directors/managers/owners (5.0±4.0 hours/day). Sitting time for weekends was not significantly different for these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Activities promoting LTPA should be addressed to all professional groups. It is essential to inform workers (especially physical workers) about the role of properly selected physical activity (in terms of time, frequency and type) to maintain a good state of health. A model-shaping influence of the high prestige groups may be helpful in changing lifestyle.

Prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of leisure time physical activity among Polish farmers.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the leisure time physical activity of Polish farmers in the context of meeting health-related recommendations, and to diagnose the social and economic determinants. The analysis concerned leisure and transportation activities of various intensity and sedentary time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Farmers (n=153) aged over 18 were selected from a representative sample of Polish society (n=2039). In order to evaluate LTPA, the long version of the IPAQ was used. Statistically significant differences between the variables were tested using non-parametric tests. The relationship between the amount of exercise recommended by the WHO and studied socio-demographic criteria was assessed using log-linear analysis. RESULTS: The WHO health recommendations were met by 33.3% of farmers. Shares in LTPA (19.1%) and transportation (19.2%) significantly increased the chance of achieving these norms (OR=12.54 and 0.07, respectively). Along with age (≥40 years) and income (≥3000 PLN/Є750) of Polish farmers, the risk of insufficient physical activity increased. Average MET-min/week for LTPA was 299.8±583.4 and transportation - 521.2±1973.9. The average time of sitting during working days was 4.4±2.9, while it was 4.5±3.2 hrs/day during weekends. CONCLUSIONS: Health-promoting changes are necessary among Polish farmers, including an increase in the awareness of health benefits and the necessity of undertaking physically active ways of spending leisure time. It seems to be a legitimate action to develop a mini-tourist trail in the rural environment as a means of promoting physical activity also among women aged over 40, and from lower income groups, who are especially threatened by inactivity.

Physical activity of disabled individuals in the context of meeting WHO recommendations and support of local authorities.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate physical activity of disabled individuals in the context of fulfilling the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and to investigate the relationship between the risk of inactivity and activity of local authorities in this field. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 155 disabled individuals selected from a representative sample of the Polish society. The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF) and the survey of the determinants of a sport activity among the Polish population were applied. The relationship between meeting the WHO recommendations and environmental factors were investigated. RESULTS: According to the IPAQ-LF, 68.2% of the Polish disabled adults performed a recommended dose of physical activity during their leisure time. The total leisure activity was composed mainly of vigorous activities (58.8%), in a less extent of moderate activities (11.8%), and walking (7.2%). According to the survey of the sport activity determinants, 10.3% is active (0.7% exercises for ≥60 min 3 to 4 times a week, 3.9% per day). CONCLUSION: Based on our study results, there is a need to increase the activity of local authorities, promoting a participation in sport for all among Polish disabled individuals. In addition, these study results indicate methodological problems related with the implementation of the IPAQ-LF.

Leisure Time Physical Activity among Employed and Unemployed Women in Poland.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The aim of the paper was to investigate the leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among Polish employed and unemployed women in light of meeting the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations and analysed its relationship with employment status. The concept of personal responsibility for a healthy lifestyle plays in the modern times a crucial role here and is an integral part of the prevention process (including the necessity for LTPA). METHODS: A sample (n = 527) of Polish women was surveyed by the long form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF), with statistically significant differences between variables (intensity and duration of the activity vs. employment status), in the model being verified by chi-square testing. Multi-variable logistic regression analysis was performed to find the relationship between socio-demographic criteria and the amount of exercise recommended by WHO. The relationship between LTPA and the amount of exercise recommended by WHO was assessed using the log-linear analysis. RESULTS: Over one-third of the respondents did not engage in any LTPA (employed -- 38.6 and unemployed -- 36.6%). Employed women engaged in vigorous exercises more often (18.2%) than those who were unemployed (5.8%). The amount of LTPA undertaken by the majority of respondents (58.7% employed and 65.2% unemployed) was not sufficient to maintain their health owing to lack of walking, moderate and vigorous LTPA. CONCLUSION: Polish women nowadays (regardless of whether they are employed or not) still do not engage in a sufficient amount of LTPA to maintain their health. Intervention programme in both groups is needed.

Individual and environmental factors determining sedentary lifestyle of the polish population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the sedentary lifestyle of the Polish population and its link with prolonged sitting in light of individual and environmental factors. METHODS: The sample consisted of 1505 Polish people between 18 and 64 years old. The Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) survey was conducted with the Polish version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF) and the survey of the determinants of a sport activity among the Polish population. The relationships between the time spent sitting and the individual and environmental factors among Polish citizens were investigated through log-linear analysis. RESULTS: The total time Polish people spent sitting was 2812.4±1593.9 min/week. During the weekend, men (Chi(2)=45.0; P=0.04) spent significantly more time sitting than women (251.1±170.1min/week, 230.9±155.0 min/week, respectively). Despite the relatively high proportion of people declaring participation in the Sport for All initiative (67.8%), only 9.6% of Polish people undertake a physical activity on a daily basis. The odds ratios above the median (>2545 min/week) are higher (OR=1.33; 95% CI=1.03-1.72) for those who are not physically active (54.5% vs. 45.5%). There was no relationship between prolonged sitting time and the environmental factors. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to increase consistent efforts to create an environment that would successfully promote anactive lifestyle among Polish citizens in their place of residence and prevent sedentary behaviours within this population. The recommendations for physical activity should include the guidelines intervening in the time people spend sitting.

[The usefulness of descriptive statistics in the interpretation of data on occupational physical activity of Poles]. / Ocena przydatnosci statystyk opisowych do interpretacji danych dotyczacych aktywnosci fizycznej Polkaów podczas pracy zawodowej.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to assess whether basic descriptive statistics is sufficient to interpret the data on physical activity of Poles within occupational domain of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: lhe study group consisted of 964 randomly selected Polish working professionals. The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. Descriptive statistics included characteristics of variables using: mean (M), median (Me), maximal and minimal values (max-min.), standard deviation (SD) and percentile values. Statistical inference was based on the comparison of variables with the significance level of 0.05 (Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson's Chi2 tests). RESULTS: Occupational physical activity (OPA) was declared by 46.4% of respondents (vigorous - 23.5%, moderate - 30.2%, walking - 39.5%). the total OPA amounted to 2751.1 MET-min/week (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) with very high standard deviation (SD) = 5302.8 and max = 35 511 MET-min/week. It concerned different types of activities. Approximately 10% (90th percentile) overstated the average. However, there was no significant difference depended on the character of the profession, or the type of activity. The average time of sitting was 256 min/day. As many as 39% of the respondents met the World Health Organization standards only due to OPA (42.5% of white-collar workers, 38% of administrative and technical employees and only 37.9% of physical workers). CONCLUSIONS: In the data analysis it is necessary to define quantiles to provide a fuller picture of the distributions of OPA in MET-min/week. It is also crucial to update the guidelines for data processing and analysis of long version of IPAQ. It seems that 16 h of activity/day is not a sufficient criterion for excluding the results from further analysis.