Abstract
Abstract Aim: To analyze the association between screen-based sedentary behaviors, mental health, and social relationships in Brazilian adolescents. Methods: A representative sample of the adolescents from Londrina/PR was selected (n = 1,158; 10 to 17 y). Weekday and weekend screen time (TV-viewing and computer/video-game), mental health indicators (self-rated health, stress, feelings of sadness, and satisfaction with own body), and perceived social relationships (friends, family, and teachers) were collected through questionnaires. Somatic maturation, body mass index, and physical activity were assessed as covariates. Results: Adolescents who reported higher TV-viewing presented higher odds (p < 0.05) for poor self-rated health (boys), higher stress (both sexes), and dissatisfaction with own body (boys), friendships (girls), and teachers (girls). In contrast, higher computer/video-game use was associated with lower odds (p < 0.05) for poor self-rated health (girls), higher stress (boys), feelings of sadness (both sexes), and dissatisfaction with friends (both sexes) and family (both sexes). Conclusion: While higher TV-viewing is associated with negative outcomes, higher computer/video-game users demonstrate better mental health and lower satisfaction with their social relationships.
Highlights
Beyond well recognized negative effects of physical inactivity, sedentary behavior has been related to several non-communicable diseases 1
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between screen-based sedentary behaviors, mental health, and perceived social relationships among adolescents
In both sexes, adolescents with higher TV-viewing demonstrated poorer self-rated health, higher stress, and greater dissatisfaction with own body and social relationships
Summary
Beyond well recognized negative effects of physical inactivity, sedentary behavior has been related to several non-communicable diseases 1. The potential negative effects of sedentary behavior on obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and even mortality can be independent of physical activity level 2. While biomedical outcomes have been more widely studied, clear evidence on the effects of sedentary behavior on mental health are still lacking 3,4. One of the main current manifestations of sedentary behavior, especially among young people, is screen use, such as TV-viewing, smartphones, computers, or passive video-games. Data from different parts of the world show alarming screen time use among children and adolescents, from an early age 6,7. The general screen time level has been increasing among young people and seems to track throughout lifespan . The general screen time level has been increasing among young people and seems to track throughout lifespan . 9,10
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