A qualitative investigation into the exercise habits, motivators and barriers faced by healthcare shift workers

Sweeney, C ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6711-5684, Sweeney, L, Pilkington-Cheney, F ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8043-3137, Clayton, DJ ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5481-0891, Hunter, AM ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7562-6145 and Sweeney, EL ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6946-2989, 2025. A qualitative investigation into the exercise habits, motivators and barriers faced by healthcare shift workers. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. ISSN 1076-2752 (Forthcoming)

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Abstract

Objective: Many healthcare shift workers do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines. As a pillar of physical activity, this study explored exercise habits, motivators, and barriers encountered by healthcare shift workers.

Methods: Twelve healthcare shift workers in the United Kingdom were interviewed via semi-structured, one-to-one interviews. Data was analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Results: Healthcare shift workers experience multiple biopsychosocial barriers to exercise, including inconsistent working schedules, psychophysical fatigue, emotionally challenging shifts, and familial commitments. Exercise habits and motivators were highly individualized. Occupational promotion of exercise, including on-site exercise opportunities, education on exercise prescription, and financially incentivized exercise programs were enablers. Time management and planning were crucial for sustained exercise engagement.

Conclusions: Organizations requiring shift work should promote a breadth of exercise types, and on-site exercise opportunities, at a low economic burden to promote physical activity engagement within their workforce.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Creators:	Sweeney, C., Sweeney, L., Pilkington-Cheney, F., Clayton, D.J., Hunter, A.M. and Sweeney, E.L.
Publisher:	Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Date:	2 April 2025
ISSN:	1076-2752
Identifiers:	Number Type 2425753 Other
Rights:	This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in (provide complete journal citation).
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Melissa Cornwell
Date Added:	14 Apr 2025 14:00
Last Modified:	14 Apr 2025 14:00
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53403

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