Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Health Behavior During The Covid-19 Pandemic In Bangkok’s Office Workers

Abstract

Background. The spread of COVID-19 has several impacts on health behavior. Objectives. This study was to study changes in health behaviors and factors influencing the health behaviors of office workers (OW) living in Bangkok during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods. The online survey was designed to collect data on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), stress, healthy food consumption, and sleep quality from 494 OW. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the factors influencing health behaviors due to the pandemic. Results. During the pandemic, OW reported having good health, healthy food consumption, good sleep quality, and moderate PA (p < 0.05); but their stress and SB were increased (p < 0.05). Undergraduate OW reported being 4 times healthier than those with postgraduate education (OR = 4.30). Those with bachelor's degrees reported 3 times less stress than OW with postgraduate degrees (OR = 3.54). The PA of OW who earn 20,000-30,000 Baht/month was 3 times lower compared to higher earners (OR = 3.11). Younger and female OW had 2 times increase in SB (OR = 2.01 and 2.30, respectively). If returned to normal, OW wants to work as a hybrid, be more physically active, eat a nutritious diet, put greater emphasis on sleep and reduce SB. Conclusions. Changes in health behaviors as a result of an epidemic depend on several factors, including age, education, and accommodation. After the pandemic, Bangkok OW increased its desire to take care of its health. © (2023), (Asian Exercise and Sport Science Association). All Rights Reserved.