Prolonged sitting time (ST) is a risk factor for all-cause mortality, independent of physical activity. Nurse educators are particularly at risk due to limited physical activity, older age, and the increasing use of computers. This descriptive correlational study was designed to explore the ST of nurse educators in relation to their self-reported health status and general health indicators. A convenience sample of 56 nurse educators was recruited, and participants completed demographic items, general health questions, and the Workforce Sitting Questionnaire (WSQ; Chau, van der Ploeg, Dunn, Kurko, & Bauman, 2011). More than one half of the participants were either overweight or obese based on their body mass index (BMI). Sitting time domains for "watching TV" on a non-working day ( r = 1.00) and during "other leisure activities" on a non-working day ( r = 1.00) were associated with a current diagnosis of diabetes. These findings add to an understanding of the effects of ST on health risks for nurse educators.
Keywords: application of evidence; chronic illnesses; disease prevention; health education; health promotion; occupational health and safety programs; research.