Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Cheryl Anderson

Abstract

Abstract

Sedentary behavior is a public health issue which may increase the risk of mortality. The work environment is critical to the success of reducing sedentary behavior due to the amount of time spent in the workplace. Excessive sitting during work hours may perpetuate sedentary behavior of medical record coders that may result in adverse health outcomes. There is a lack of understanding of the lived experiences of coders who work in sedentary home environments toward their perspectives of the effect that sitting may have on their health. The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of medical coders who work in sedentary home environments. The study was guided by Thosar and Gabbard’s eco-behavioral model of sedentary behavior. Data collection for this qualitative study included 1-on-1 interviews of 12 home-based medical record coders using open-ended questions. The Colaizzi method of data analysis was used to identify themes. Five themes emerged from the data analysis which included the coders methods of coping with sedentary behavior, the effects of the workload on sedentary behavior, the health impact of sedentary behavior, strategies to decrease sedentary behavior, and participant suggestions to decrease sedentary behavior. Results indicated that the impact on the health of participants as well as strategies to cope with sedentary behavior varied according to the individual participant. Positive social change may be found in this study in understanding the experiences of medical coders as to the health hazards of sitting and personal coping mechanisms.

Download

Share

 
COinS