Abstract Body

Background and purpose:

Excessive sedentary behaviour is associated with a number of adverse health outcomes and increased all-cause mortality. This study gained quantitative data on levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs.

Methods

A multi-item sedentary behaviour questionnaire survey was disseminated to GPs in Northern Ireland. Subsequently, a purposive, maximally varied sample of 20 participants were recruited to wear thigh-worn accelerometers and complete a sleep/work log. This allowed comparison of subjective, self-reported data with objective, accelerometer data.

Results

Out of 1999 GPs in Northern Ireland, the questionnaire received 352 valid responses (response rate of 18%). Overall mean workday sedentary time for GPs was 10 hours 20 minutes. Overall mean non-workday sedentary time was 4 hrs 47 minutes. Only 6% of GPs had access to an active workstation, such as a standing desk, however 61% of those who didn’t have an active workstation would consider using one. 81% of GPs reported they are spending more time sitting in work now than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. 87% of GPs would prefer less time sitting in work.

Conclusions

Sedentary behaviour among GPs has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the vast majority of GPs exceeding the recommended daily levels of sedentary behaviour. GPs who are more physically active are more likely to recommend physical activity to their patients. Further research is therefore required to identify ways of reducing sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity among GPs.