Relationship between physical activity and job stress among public office workers

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated the relationship between physical activity and job stress among public office workers. [Participants and Methods] We examined the levels of physical activity and job stress of 488 male public officers in Seoul-city, Republic of Korea through self-reported questionnaires. The International Physical Activity Questionnaires and the Korean Occupational Stress Scale were used to evaluate physical activity and job stress, respectively. The level of physical activity was divided into three quantiles (low, moderate, high). [Results] We found no significant difference in job stress by physical activity level. Although a positive correlation between physical activity and job stress was found in the organizational system category, no significant difference was found in the categories of the physical environment, job demand, insufficient job control, interpersonal conflict, job insecurity, lack of reward, and occupational climate. [Conclusion] There was no apparent correlation between physical activity and job stress among public office workers.