Stability and change in screen-based sedentary behaviours and associated factors among Norwegian children in the transition between childhood and adolescence

Abstract

BackgroundIn order to inform interventions to prevent sedentariness, more longitudinal studies are needed focusing on stability and change over time in multiple sedentary behaviours. This paper investigates patterns of stability and change in TV/DVD use, computer/electronic game use and total screen time (TST) and factors associated with these patterns among Norwegian children in the transition between childhood and adolescence.MethodsThe baseline of this longitudinal study took place in September 2007 and included 975 students from 25 control schools of an intervention study, the HEalth In Adolescents (HEIA) study. The first follow-up took place in May 2008 and the second follow-up in May 2009, with 885 students participating at all time points (average age at baseline = 11.2, standard deviation ± 0.3). Time used for/spent on TV/DVD and computer/electronic games was self-reported, and a TST variable (hours/week) was computed. Tracking analyses based on absolute and rank measures, as well as regression analyses to assess factors associated with change in TST and with tracking high TST were conducted.ResultsTime spent on all sedentary behaviours investigated increased in both genders. Findings based on absolute and rank measures revealed a fair to moderate level of tracking over the 2 year period. High parental education was inversely related to an increase in TST among females. In males, self-efficacy related to barriers to physical activity and living with married or cohabitating parents were inversely related to an increase in TST. Factors associated with tracking high vs. low TST in the multinomial regression analyses were low self-efficacy and being of an ethnic minority background among females, and low self-efficacy, being overweight/obese and not living with married or cohabitating parents among males.ConclusionsUse of TV/DVD and computer/electronic games increased with age and tracked over time in this group of 11-13 year old Norwegian children. Interventions targeting these sedentary behaviours should thus be introduced early. The identified modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with change in TST and tracking of high TST should be taken into consideration when planning such interventions.

Determinants of Change in Children’s Sedentary Time

“…However, no association between maternal education and 3-year change in sedentary time was observed in Australian children (age 10–12 years at baseline) [39] and change in children’s screen-based sedentary behaviour may be inversely associated with parental education. [41], [42] Currently, the socioeconomic patterning of change in sedentary behaviour during childhood remains unclear; however, it appears that the association may vary dependent upon how these constructs are defined and measured. That said, in sensitivity analyses, the direction of the association between SES and change in sedentary time remained unchanged in models using parents educational attainment and each of our component markers of SES individually (data not shown).…”

Adolescents’ prospective screen time by gender and parental education, the mediation of parental influences

“…In the HEalth In Adolescents (HEIA) cohort study it has previously been reported that time spent on television and video viewing (TV/DVD) and on computer and electronic games (PC/games) increased significantly among boys and girls from the age of 11 to 13 years [35]. Demographic factors related to adolescents’ total screen time between the ages 11 to 13 years were lower parental education among girls and not living in two-parent families among boys [35].…”

“…Demographic factors related to adolescents’ total screen time between the ages 11 to 13 years were lower parental education among girls and not living in two-parent families among boys [35]. Determinants in the home environment may be important target variables to consider in interventions aiming to reduce adolescents’ prospective screen time, and thus explain some of the educational differences in adolescents screen time.…”

Trends in Screen Time Behaviours in Czech Schoolchildren between 2002 and 2014: HBSC Study.

“…Some studies reported a consistent amount of the total time spent sitting in front of a television or a computer, and they reveal that the time spent watching television was replaced by time spent using a computer (28,29). Other studies found an increase in the time spent sitting in front of a television or computer (30)(31)(32). Further analyses that use the same methodology in different countries are needed to facilitate sound comparisons between countries.…”