Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations between 24-Hour Movement Behaviours, Recreational Screen Use and Psychosocial Health Outcomes in Children: A Compositional Data Analysis Approach

Abstract

It remains unclear whether the time-use composition of 24-h movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary time (ST), physical activity (PA)) and recreational screen use are independently associated with psychosocial health. This study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between 24-h movement behaviour composition, recreational screen use and psychosocial health outcomes in children. Measures completed at baseline (n = 127; 11.7 years) and follow-up (n = 88; 12.8 years) included accelerometer-based 24-h movement behaviours, self-reported recreational screen use and psychosocial health (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale). Linear mixed models were used to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the 24-h movement behaviour composition and recreational screen use levels with psychosocial health outcomes. Overall, the movement behaviour composition (p < 0.05) and recreational screen use levels (p < 0.01) were both cross-sectionally but not longitudinally associated with psychosocial health outcomes. Relative to other behaviours, sleep was negatively associated, while light-intensity PA was positively associated with internalising problems and total difficulties scores. ST was positively associated with internalising problems. High levels of recreational screen use (>2 h/day) were associated with greater externalising problems, total difficulties scores and psychological distress. These findings reinforce the importance of achieving a balance between different types of movement behaviours over a 24-h period for psychosocial health.

Adherence to 24h movement recommendations and health indicators in the ABCD study: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with cognition, psychosocial health, BMI and brain structure

“…Considering psychosocial health scores, children who met combinations including sleep and screen time also tended to show fewer internalizing, externalizing and total problems scores compared to those who did not. Adequate sleep has been shown to be important for emotional regulation and mental wellbeing and has been linked to fewer behavioural problems in school-aged children, 10,39 while high levels of recreational screen time (>2h/day) have been associated with greater externalizing problems and psychological distress which could be linked to the content of screen use. 39…”

“…38 Considering psychosocial health scores, children who met combinations including sleep and screen time also tended to show fewer internalizing, externalizing and total problems scores compared to those who did not. Adequate sleep has been shown to be important for emotional regulation and mental wellbeing and has been linked to fewer behavioural problems in school-aged children, 10,39 while high levels of recreational screen time (>2h/day) have been associated with greater externalizing problems and psychological distress which could be linked to the content of screen use. 39 For adiposity levels measured by body mass index scores, most combinations of adherence to recommendations (with the exception of activity at T2) resulted in lower BMI levels compared to those who met none, with the group who met all 24hmovement recommendations showing the lowest BMI on average compared to the group who met no recommendations.…”

“…Adequate sleep has been shown to be important for emotional regulation and mental wellbeing and has been linked to fewer behavioural problems in school-aged children, 10,39 while high levels of recreational screen time (>2h/day) have been associated with greater externalizing problems and psychological distress which could be linked to the content of screen use. 39 For adiposity levels measured by body mass index scores, most combinations of adherence to recommendations (with the exception of activity at T2) resulted in lower BMI levels compared to those who met none, with the group who met all 24hmovement recommendations showing the lowest BMI on average compared to the group who met no recommendations. Sufficient sleep, together with a proper diet and adequate levels of physical activity are known to regulate hormones related to growth, maturation and energy homeostasis, while insufficient levels could lead to energy imbalance and obesity 40 As higher BMI has been associated with poorer cognitive function across the lifespan 41 as well as a range of long-term health issues, 42 BMI levels need to be monitored throughout childhood and adolescence, and intervened appropriately.…”

Analysis of Time Use Surveys Using CO-STATIS: A Multiway Data Analysis of Gender Inequalities in Time Use in Colombia

“…For example, in recent literature we can cite the work of Chong et al [4], Samonova et al [14], and Blaurock et al [15] in connection with time use studies with children. These authors support the idea that in this age group, the patterns of time use are associated with a family's resources (i.e., level of education) and the age of the children.…”

“…Making effective use of time can help achieve a better life balance between work, family, studying, and daily activities. In the public health area, studies are made on how different time use patterns determine the development or worsening of illnesses and their effects on mental health [2][3][4][5][6]. Therefore, the study of time use is an interdisciplinary field with contributions from sociology, psychology, gender and sexuality studies, economics, and other social sciences [7] (p. 20).…”