Screen-based sedentary behaviours in Italian school children: the ZOOM8 study

Authors

  • Myriam Galfo CRA-NUT (Food & Nutrition Research Centre, Agricultural Research Council) Italy
  • Laura D'Addezio CRA-NUT (Food & Nutrition Research Centre, Agricultural Research Council) Italy
  • Laura Censi CRA-NUT (Food & Nutrition Research Centre, Agricultural Research Council) Italy
  • Romana Roccaldo CRA-NUT (Food & Nutrition Research Centre, Agricultural Research Council) Italy
  • Giordano Giostra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2427/9473

Keywords:

Children, sedentary behaviour, screen time, TV viewing

Abstract

Background: screen-based sedentary behaviours likely have a negative impact on many aspects of youth health and development. The purpose of this study was to describe the screen-based sedentary behaviours and to examine factors associated in a sample of Italian school children.

Methods: 2129 children, aged 8-9 years, from the three main geographical areas of Italy were involved. Body weight and height were measured. Screen-based sedentary behaviours were evaluated using a parent-reported questionnaire that included items about the time spent watching television (TV) and using computer/playstation and other electronic games. Pearson’s chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were conducted to study possible associated factors.

Results: more time was spent in screen-based sedentary activities during non-school days rather than on school days. More males than females watched television more than the recommended 2 hours a day and spent the same time using computer (PC), playstation and other electronic games.  The presence of a TV in the child’s bedroom was significantly associated with geographical area, and inversely associated with mother’s education. Moreover, children with a TV in the bedroom had higher odds of being overweight/obese and watching TV more than 2 hours a day than those without a TV. According to multiple logistic regression gender, mother’s age and mother’s education were predictors of the total screen time.

Conclusions: Italian children spent a significant amount of time in screen-based sedentary behaviours, exceeding media recommendations. In addition gender, mother’s age and mother’s education were predictors of the total screen time.

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Published

2022-06-13

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Section

Original articles