Abstract

GRADIDGE, PJ; PHASWANA, M  and  CHAU, JY. "If money was no object": A qualitative study of South African university office workers' perceptions of using height-adjustable sit-stand desks. SA J. Sports Med. [online]. 2022, vol.34, n.1, pp.1-6. ISSN 2078-516X.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516x/2022/v34i1a13881.

BACKGROUND: Data from empirical investigations on the feasibility and acceptability of using sit-stand desks in an office-based setting in low- and middle-income settings are limited. OBJECTIVES: To explore the perceptions of South African office workers towards using height-adjustable sit-stand desks to reduce sitting time during vocational hours. METHODS: Self-reported sedentary behaviour and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in December 2020. Thematic content analysis approach was used to develop themes. RESULTS: Eleven office workers with a work-time sitting time of 8 (6-8) hours were interviewed (age 40.5 ± 12.6 years), most (91%) were female. The main themes emerged and included: overall impressions of the height-adjustable sit-stand desks; enablers versus barriers to using the desk and readiness to continue using sit-stand desks. CONCLUSION: The findings of this research add to the evidence on environmental workstation modifications for reducing sedentary behaviour. Further investigations on the efficacy of sit-stand desks are recommended in South African university office workers

Keywords : sit-stand desks; university office-based workers; workplace; sedentary behaviour; South Africa.

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