Determinants associated with the practice of physical activity in workers: an integrative review

Resumo

Background: Physical activity (PA) plays a critical role in preventing chronic diseases and enhancing workers’ quality of life. Despite this, many workers do not meet the recommended PA levels. Understanding the determinants that influence PA among workers can support the development of effective workplace health interventions. Objectives: This integrative literature review aimed to identify and synthesize the determinants associated with PA among workers across various occupational sectors. Methods: Guided by the PRISMA framework, a systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed using keywords related to occupational health and PA. Observational studies examining determinants of PA among workers were included, while reviews and qualitative studies were excluded. Data were synthesized using descriptive analysis. Results: A total of 86 studies were included. Determinants were categorized into five dimensions: organizational (42%), sociodemographic (23%), psychological (23%), social (19%), and economic (7%). The most commonly studied occupational sectors were education (32%), healthcare (17%), and office-based work (15%). PA was primarily assessed in the domains of total PA (42%), leisure-time PA (26%), and occupational PA (25%). Conclusion: Organizational factors, social support, and working conditions significantly influence PA among workers. Future research should prioritize the development of tailored strategies to overcome barriers and enhance PA engagement across diverse workplace contexts.

Keywords: Physical Activity; Occupational Health; Workers; Social Support; Workplace Interventions.