Exercise Behavior Among Employees of Industries in Bangkok

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey research aimed to study exercise behavior among employees of
industries in Bangkok. The sample was 403 industry employees who were selected by multi-stage
sampling method. The data were collected by using the questionnaire. The chi-square test was used to
analyze relationships between variables.
The research results showed that 62.3% of the sample employees had performed exercise
behaviors. Regarding the proper exercise performed, as related to type of exercise, frequency, time and
steps, most of the sample performed exercise behavior at low level 36.9%, moderate level 16.1% and high
level 9.3%, respectively. It was found that 63.8% of them did exercise 1-2 days/week. In regard to time for
doing exercise, 45.5% did for 11-20 minutes and 36.7% did for 21-30 minutes. Furthermore, 44.6% did
warming up before starting exercise and 60.8%did cooling down after the exercise. The factors that were
found to relate with exercise behavior of the sampled employees significantly (p<0.05) were predisposing
factors which were composed of gender, work characteristics, adequacy of income, perceived self-efficacy
to perform exercise behavior, and perceived health status; enabling factors which were composed of the
support provided by their industries for time management/ exercise activities, equipment/places and
availability of exercise equipment/places at nearby areas of their residences, and reinforcing factors which
were composed of social support from various persons, family members, father, brother/sister, friends, coworkers,
and health personnel. The industry owners should have explicit policy for promoting exercise
among their employees, as well as providing resources, various equipment and time.