Abstract
ObjectivesAnxiety is a serious illness and women (including mothers with young children) are at particular risk. Although physical activity (PA) may reduce anxiety risk, little research has investigated the link between sedentary behaviour and anxiety risk. The aim of this study was to examine the association between screen-based sedentary behaviour and anxiety symptoms, independent of PA, amongst mothers with young children.MethodsDuring 2013–2014, 528 mothers with children aged 2–5 years completed self-report measures of recreational screen-based sedentary behaviour (TV/DVD/video viewing, computer/e-games/hand held device use) and anxiety symptoms (using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS-A). Linear regression analyses examined the cross-sectional association between screen-based sedentary behaviour and anxiety symptoms.ResultsIn models that adjusted for key demographic and behavioural covariates (including moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA, MVPA), computer/device use (B = 0.212; 95% CI = 0.048, 0.377) and total screen time (B = 0.109; 95% CI = 0.014, 0.205) were positively associated with heightened anxiety symptoms. TV viewing was not associated with anxiety symptoms in either model.ConclusionsHigher levels of recreational computer or handheld device use and overall screen time may be linked to higher risk of anxiety symptoms in mothers with young children, independent of MVPA. Further longitudinal and intervention research is required to determine temporal associations.
Highlights
Mental health problems are a leading cause of disability and mortality [1] and are a particular global public health concern
In models that adjusted for key demographic and behavioural covariates, computer/device use (B = 0.212; 95% CI = 0.048, 0.377) and total screen time (B = 0.109; 95% CI = 0.014, 0.205) were positively associated with heightened anxiety symptoms
TV viewing was not associated with anxiety symptoms in either model
Summary
Mental health problems (which can include depression, anxiety and substance use disorders) are a leading cause of disability and mortality [1] and are a particular global public health concern. Current estimates suggest that 45% of adults in Australia [3] and 32% of adults in the US [4] will suffer from a mental health disorder in their lifetime, with anxiety disorders identified as the most common mental health issue amongst Australian [3] and US adults [4]. The cost of this illness impacts significantly on the public health system, families, as well as workplaces, with anxiety being linked to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity in the workplace [5]. Considering anxiety affects one’s quality of life and psychosocial functioning [6], with maternal anxiety being shown to be a key predictor of child anxiety [7], it is important that strategies are identified to reduce the risk of anxiety in mothers
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