Movement Behavior Analysis Among Working-Age Populations Across Generations in Bangkok Metropolitan Area: A 24-Hour Time-Use Study

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze differences in 24-hour movement behaviors among working-age populations across different generations in Bangkok Metropolitan Area, examined through the International Classification of Activities for Time-Use Statistics (ICATUS 2016) framework. The analysis encompassed three primary movement behavior dimensions: sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity. The sample consisted of 218 working-age individuals who completed time-use diaries recording activities every 10 minutes for 4 consecutive working days. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and T-test for between-group comparisons. The results revealed that sedentary behavior consumed the highest proportion of daily time, averaging 11.10 hours per day (46.2%), followed by sleep at 8.08 hours (33.8%). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) averaged 0.92 hours (3.8%), which when calculated based on the 4-day observation period exceeds the daily average derived from the World Health Organization recommendations (150 minutes/week). However, it should be noted that this average reflected data collected over 4 specific recorded days rather than a full calendar week. Statistically significant intergenerational differences in behavioral patterns were observed, with Generation X exhibiting the shortest sleep duration. These disparities underscore an imbalance in daily time allocation, suggesting that health policies and interventions should be generation-specific to effectively promote sustainable health behaviors among urban workers.