Workplace sedentary behaviour in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review

Objectives Research on workplace sedentary behaviour has predominantly been conducted in high-income countries. This scoping review mapped the existing quantitative studies on occupational sitting in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Study design Systematic scoping review following the JBI Scoping Review Methodology. Methods Search conducted in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase) on 3 November 2025, yielding 25 studies involving 20,595 participants. Studies were screened using PRISMA-ScR guidelines; relevant data were charted and synthesised descriptively. Results Findings indicate that studies from LMICs remain limited, unevenly distributed, and absent in low-income countries. Most studies employed correlational cross-sectional designs (n = 19/25), with n = 6/25 reporting interventions. Studies were predominantly conducted in university settings and among administrative employees. Average occupational sedentary time per 8 h workday was 5.71 h [SD 2.31] for self-report (n = 21/25), and 5.82 h [SD 1.81] for device-based (n = 8/25); overall average 5.75 h (72%). Three studies examined correlates; only n = 3/25 incorporated a behavioural change theoretical framework. Eight studies examined associations of occupational sedentary behaviour with outcomes, with seven assessing physical health outcomes and one examining psychological outcomes. Conclusions Future research should explore factors influencing occupational sedentary behaviour, with greater emphasis on understanding these within local cultural and workplace contexts, while prioritising diverse workplace settings and occupational groups. Such findings are needed to inform the next sequence of research, ultimately leading to evidence-based, contextually appropriate, and effective interventions to reduce excessive workplace sedentary behaviour in LMIC settings.