Changes in Screen Time in Brazil: A Time-Series Analysis 2016-2021

Abstract

Purpose To analyze the temporal trend of leisure screen time among adults in Brazil between 2016 and 2021. Design Time-series analysis of six cross-sectional surveys. Setting Data from the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel) (2016/21). Subjects A probabilistic sample of 265 252 adults (≥18 years). Measures Time watching television (TV), or using cell phone, computer, or tablet (CCT) during leisure time, and indicators of prolonged exposure for the total population and sociodemographic groups. Analysis Prais-Winsten regression models were used to identify trends in the studied period. Results Mean time watching TV remained stable (2.3 h to 2.2 h/day) as the frequency of adults watching TV ≥ 3 hours/day (25.7% to 25.1%) for 2016/21. There was an increase in mean time spent on CCT (1.7 h to 2.0 h/day; .08 h/day/year; P < .001) and in the frequency of adults spending ≥ 3 hours/day on CCT (19.9% to 25.5%; 1.33 pp/year; P < .001) for 2016/21. The increase in screen time was relevant in all sociodemographic groups. Conclusion Leisure screen time has increased in Brazil, with greater intensity over time.