Differential Associations of Total and Context-Specific Sedentary Time with Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents: Results from Ireland’s CSPPA Study

Abstract

Background: Higher levels of sedentary behaviour (SB) and screen-time are associated with greater symptoms of depression in adolescents, but the effect of the type and context of SB and screen-time, remains underexplored. As part of a nationally-representative observational study, the current cross-sectional study examined associations between SB, screen-time and depressive symptoms among 422 adolescents (13.5±0.92y; 125 female) in the Republic of Ireland.Methods: Participants completed the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology and self-reported weekly SB, categorised into mentally-active screen-time (e.g., computer use for fun), mentally-passive screen-time (e.g., television viewing) and mentally-active non-screen based SB (e.g., reading). Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal Wallis H tests examined differences in screen-time and depressive symptoms by relevant covariates. Linear regression quantified crude and adjusted associations between total SB and mentally-active and-passive screen-time and SB, and depressive symptoms.Results: Crude and adjusted linear regressions showed total SB was significantly, positively associated with depressive symptoms (unadjusted: β=0.27, p=0.002, adjusted: β=0.27, p=0.002). When type and context were examined in the same model, only mentally-active screen-time was positively associated with depressive symptoms (unadjusted: β=0.37, p=0.009, adjusted: β=0.39, p=0.007).Conclusions: Differential associations between total SB and mentally-active screen-time and SB, versus mentally-passive screen-time, and depressive symptoms among Irish adolescents were observed. Findings highlight the importance of investigating the context and type of SB and screen-time in adolescents.

Comparison of Estonian Schoolchildren’s Physical Activity and Fitness Indicators before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic’s Period of Restricted Mobility

“…This was also shown by Knight et al (2022), who, on the basis of various studies, showed that during the pandemic, the screen time and general sedentary time of children and adolescents increased [ 26 ]. Longer screen time, in turn, is mainly associated with an increase in symptoms of mental health disorders among adolescents [ 19 ]. The WHO report also points out that mental health problems and decreased physical activity were the two main health-related indicators associated with the period of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 42 ].…”

“…At the same time, the sedentary screen time for both rural and urban children has increased [ 13 , 15 , 16 ], and this in turn limits physical activity [ 17 ]. Excessive screen time and reduced physical activity contribute to weight gain [ 18 ] and various health issues like back pain [ 16 ] and depressive symptoms [ 19 ].…”

Isotemporal substitution effect of 24-hour movement behavior on the mental health of Chinese preschool children

“…Conversely, inadequate sleep duration has been related to adverse health outcomes (6,7), while extended screen time and specific computer usage patterns have been linked to negative mental health outcomes (8,9). Different types of sedentary behavior (SB) yield diverse health implications (10,11). In this manuscript, Screen-Based Sedentary Behavior (SCSB) refers to sedentary activities involving electronic screen devices, such as watching television, using computers, or smartphones.…”