Does physically demanding work hinder a physically active lifestyle in low socioeconomic workers? A compositional data analysis based on accelerometer data

Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is strongly associated with socioeconomic position (SEP). Few studies have investigated if demanding occupational physical activity (OPA) could impede a physically active lifestyle in low SEP groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between OPA and LTPA among low SEP men and women, using compositional data analysis. We used cross-sectional data from 895 Danish low SEP workers who wore accelerometers for 2-5 consecutive workdays, providing measurements of LTPA and OPA. The associations between the relative importance of activities performed during work and leisure time were assessed using compositional regression models, stratified on sex. Compositional isotemporal substitution models were used to assess the implication of increasing occupational walking, standing or sitting on LTPA. Waking leisure time was mostly spent sedentary for both sexes (men~61% and women~67%). In men, the associations between OPA and LTPA were weak. In women, the strongest association was observed between the relative importance of walking during work and standing during leisure time (β ̂=-0.16, P=0.01), where reallocating 15 min work time to walking showed an expected decrease in leisure time standing of 7 min. If these minutes are spent on additional sedentary leisure time it could have health consequences
Year
2018
Category
Refereed journal