Prevalence of Sedentary Behavior and Factors Associated with Screen Time among Thai Youths Aged 14–17 Years: A Cross- Sectional Population-Based Survey

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of sedentary behavior (SB) and factors associating with meeting the screen time guidelines among the Thai youth using a nationwide population-based survey. Material and Methods: Data from a national representative sample of 3,900 Thai youths aged 14–17 years old across the country were drawn from the Thailand Physical Activity Children Survey. SB was classified into screen time and sitting down activity. The youths were classified as meeting the screen time guidelines if they spent less than 120 min on screen time activities. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and meeting the screen time guidelines. Results: Overall, 33.7% of Thai youths were highly sedentary; only 30.5% of them met the screen time guidelines. Regarding screen time activity, the participants spent the highest amount of time using online social media; meanwhile, doing homework was the sitting down activity taking the greatest proportion of their time. The youths who were older and engaged in more screen time activities were significantly more likely to meet the screen time guidelines. Moreover, those who resided in regions other than Bangkok and had longer sleep times were significantly more likely to meet the screen time guidelines. Conclusion: The prevalence estimates of meeting the screen time guideline among the Thai youth were low. Age, geographical region of residence, number of engagements in screen time activities, and sleep time were associated with meeting the screen time guidelines. Our findings indicate that public health policies and interventions are needed to reduce SB among Thai youths; particular attention should be paid to the associating factors of SB.