Harmful Effects of Prolonged Sitting Behavior on the General Health of Employees of the University of Hail

Abstract

Background: Prolonged sitting time has negative consequences on health, although the people is not well aware of these harmful effects. There are limited studies conducted in Saudi Arabia on sitting behavior and its health effects.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to assess the health status of the prevalence of sitting behavior and its adverse effects among teaching and non-teaching female staff in the University of Hail.

Methodology: Sample of 209 female teaching and non-teaching female staff in the University of Hail were enrolled for the survey. The first part surveyed the demographic characteristics and general health of the respondents, while the second part contained the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to assess symptoms. The data collected was coded, entered and statistically analyzed.

Results: The demographic profile of the study population states that overweight people take the highest percent which accounts for 42.58% and 24.88% of study population were normal healthy weight and 19.62% of them were moderately obese. The percentage of weight change during past two years was 41.15% of people gained weight and 30.14% of them reported no change during that period and 28.71% of them lost weight during the past two years. 29.7% of people reported that they stay in sitting position for 5-6 hours at work and 27.3% reported that they spent 7 and more than 7 hours sitting at work.  38.76% of study population reported that they are suffering from lower back pain probably due to prolonged sitting hours and 33.97% of them reported shoulder pain, while 32.06% of them were suffering from neck pain. The results revealed that lower back (38.76%), shoulders (33.97%), and neck (32.06%) symptoms were the most prevalent problems reported by study population in the past 7 days.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that sitting behavior had adverse effects on the employees. Active workstations are therefore recommended to improve working conditions. The data shows that compared with those who sit the least, those who sit the most have over twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and a 13 percent and 17 percent increased risk of cancer incidence and mortality respectively.

Key words: Musculoskeletal diseases, Sitting, Workplace.