The association between screen time and cardiometabolic risk in young children

Abstract

Objectives: While studies exist on the association between screen time and cardiometabolic risk among adolescents, research examining the effect of screen time on cardiometabolic risk in young children is lacking. The primary objective of this study was to examine the association between daily screen time and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) [sum of age-and sex-standardized z-scores of systolic blood pressure (SBP), glucose, log-triglycerides, waist circumference (WC), and negative high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol divided by the square root of five] in young children. Secondary objectives included examining individual CMR risk factors, including waist-to-height ratio and non high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol, as well as the individual cutoffs of these risk factors. Additional analyses include examining the association between screen time and CMR by handheld/non-handheld devices. Methods: A study was conducted among young children 3 to 6 years from the TARGet Kids! practice-based research network in Toronto and Montreal, Canada. Children with one or more measures of screen time and CMR were included in this study. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) multivariable linear regressions and multivariable logistic regressions, using published cutoffs , were conducted to evaluate these associations. Results: Data from 1317 children [mean age 52 months (SD = 13.36), 44.34% female] were included for analyses. There was no evidence of associations between screen time and total CMR score or individual risk factors (p > 0.05) after adjusting for confounders. A statistically significant, but small association between daily screen time and non-HDL cholesterol was found (B = 0.046; CI = [0.017 to 0.075]; p = 0.002. Conclusions: Though no relationship was reported between daily screen time and the majority of CMR factors in early childhood, there was an association between daily screen time and non-HDL cholesterol. As the relationship between daily screen time and CMR factors may not be apparent in early childhood, studies to evaluate longerterm cardiometabolic effects of screen time are needed. Although there is an evidence-based rationale to reduce screen time in early childhood, prevention of cardiometabolic risk may not be the primary driver.

Association of physical activity and screen time with cardiovascular disease risk in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study

“…Adolescence is a critical period for CVD prevention because it is a time when healthy lifestyle behaviors can be established that will last into adulthood [ 11 ]. Higher screen time has been associated with higher CVD risk in children and adolescents, including higher blood pressure [ 12 ], non-HDL cholesterol [ 13 ], and insulin resistance [ 14 , 15 ]. In contrast, physical activity has been associated with lower CVD risk, including an improved lipid profile, lower body fat, and lower blood pressure [ 16 – 18 ].…”

Screen Time is Associated with Cardiometabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Childhood and Adolescence

“…As we transition into the digital age, these risks may be exacerbated as children and adolescents are spending an increasing amount of time engaged with screens and digital content, be it for educational, recreational, or social purposes. Emerging research has begun to shed light on the potential health implications of this trend, with several studies noting associations between screen time and CMR factors in childhood and adolescence (5)(6)(7). However, the relationship between screen time and CMR is complex and likely multifactorial.…”

Screen Time from Adolescence to Adulthood and Cardiometabolic Disease: a Prospective Cohort Study

“…In particular, screen time has been associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes in both children and adults, higher non-HDL cholesterol in young children, and obesity in both children and adolescents. [9][10][11][12] However, as most of these existing studies have cross-sectional designs, few have analyzed the longitudinal associations between screen time and cardiometabolic health outcomes with nationally representative data. Longitudinal studies are essential to better understand the impact of screen time on adult health risks over time.…”