Preliminary investigation on Malaysian office workers’ sedentary behaviour, health consequences, and intervention preferences: Towards designing anti sedentary behaviour change support systems

Abstract

Sedentary behaviour is a phrase that describes low-energy activities that are commonly coupled with long periods of sitting. Sedentary behaviour has been linked to a variety of negative health effects. Nonetheless, health experts say that the best approach to avoid this condition is to take regular breaks from prolonged sitting. The goals of this study were to find out about 1) sedentary time and patterns among office workers who mostly use computers, 2) health effects of extended sitting, and 3) awareness about sedentary behaviour health repercussions and intervention preferences. From March to May 2019, a poll was conducted in several Malaysian government agencies. The findings suggest that Malaysian office workers work long hours and spend a lot of time sitting. As a result, reducing occupational sitting time is an effective preventative measure. Environmental restructuring was identified as the most popular intervention by respondents, followed by the use of technology to convince people to take a break from sitting.