Screen time duration and risk factors for non-communicable diseases in adolescents

Introduction. Risk factors (RF) for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) require great attention to reduce mortality from NCDs in the population worldwide. The severity of excessive screen time (ST) and its association with behavioral RFs of NCDs in adolescents haven’t been sufficiently studied.

The aims. To assess the duration of ST in adolescents; to establish RFs of NCDs associated with the duration of ST.

Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study of 1125 adolescents aged 11; 13; and 15 years from 5 schools was conducted in Irkutsk in 2023. Participants were divided into groups depending on the duration of ST. Socio-demographic and behavioral factors (physical activity; nutrition); some aspects of mental well-being (satisfaction with body; appearance; anxiety and life satisfaction) were assessed using a structured validated questionnaire “Health Behavior in School-aged Children” (HBSC). Body mass index was calculated using the AnthroPlus calculator. Material wealth was calculated using the Family Wealth Scale; which is used in HBSC studies.

Results. The recommended duration of screen time comply 9.1 % of adolescents. Adolescents with ST more than 5 hours are more often brought up in single-parent families (p = 0.004); rare eat breakfast; often consume carbonated and energy drinks (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001); compared to those who don’t exceed the ST norm. Adolescents with ST less than 2 hours consider themselves less committed to a sedentary lifestyle and better physically prepared (p < 0.001); refuse snacks; sweets and fast food (p < 0.001); are satisfied with their appearance (p < 0.001) and find everyday life interesting (p = 0.007); compared to adolescents whose ST is more than 2 hours per day.

Conclusion. Excessive ST is associated with such behavior as consumption of high-calorie foods; skipping breakfast; commitment to a sedentary lifestyle; decreased interest in everyday life and dissatisfaction with own body.

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