Patterns and sociodemographic influences on occupational physical activity at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro

TL;DR

This study explores how factors like age, gender, and income affect physical activity at work among university employees in Brazil.

Contribution

The study identifies sociodemographic patterns influencing occupational physical activity and highlights potential inequalities.

Findings

Men and employees with lower education and income levels spent more time on occupational physical activities.

Older employees had longer exposure to physical tasks, and differences were observed based on skin color.

The findings suggest structural inequalities and inform policies for workplace health and equity.

Abstract

Physical activity performed in the occupational context is related to both
physical health and workers’ well-being. Understanding how sociodemographic
factors influence this type of activity can support the development of
strategies to promote health in the workplace.

To analyze the relationship between sociodemographic aspects and the practice
of occupational physical activity among employees of the Federal Rural
University of Rio de Janeiro.

This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted with employees of
the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Data were collected on age,
sex, marital status, skin color, education level, and income, as well as on
the frequency, intensity, and duration of occupational physical activity.
Analyses included chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and Tukey’s post
hoc test to compare groups.

Higher participation in occupational physical activities was observed among
men, as well as a higher average time spent on such tasks among workers with
lower education and income levels. Older employees showed longer exposure to
occupational physical activities. Differences related to skin color were
also identified, indicating potential structural inequalities in the
workplace.

The results show that sociodemographic factors significantly influence
participation in and intensity of occupational physical activity.
Identifying groups more exposed to high physical demands can guide
institutional policies aimed at promoting health, preventing occupational
diseases, and improving working conditions, with a focus on equity and
inclusion.