Screen-based behaviour in Czech adolescents is more prevalent at weekends

• Main Authors: Zdenek Hamrik, Michal Kalman, Dagmar Sigmundová, Jan Pavelka, Ferdinand Salonna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palacký University Olomouc 2014-12-01
• Series: Acta Gymnica
• Subjects: adolescents; leisure time; screen-based behaviour; weekdays; weekend
• Online Access: http://gymnica.upol.cz/artkey/gym-201404-0003_Screen-based_behaviour_in_Czech_adolescents_is_more_prevalent_at_weekends.php

Background: One of the main reasons for recent scientific interest in screen-based behaviour (SB) is the relationship between SB and risk of being overweight or obese. The primary mechanism for overweight and obesity is an imbalance of energy intake versus energy expenditure and one reason for the interest in SB is its association with reduced energy expenditure relative to other activities. Objective: The aim of this study is to provide a basic overview of the level and structure of SB in Czech adolescents on the basis of age and gender while taking into account the differences between weekday and weekend screen based activities. Methods: Data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in May-June 2010 in the Czech Republic were used. The sample consisted of 4365 Czech pupils (48.5% boys; age 11, n = 1406; age 13, n = 1446; age 15, n = 1513). Binomial logistic regression and Chi-square test of independence were used to provide basic comparison on the basis of gender and age groups. Results: The prevalence of SB rise with growing age with the most visible increase in prevalence is between ages 11 and age 13. SB is significantly more prevalent among adolescent boys compared with adolescent girls. Czech adolescents are more likely to not meet the recommendation of 2 hours for watching TV at weekends compared to weekdays. Playing computer games is more common among boys contrary to chatting online, which is more common among girls. The overall patterns of playing computer games and chatting online during weekends were similar to those at weekdays but increased. Conclusions: Most children in the Czech Republic do not meet the limit for total SB time of 4 or fewer hours while the prevalence of SB rises with growing age and at weekends. Interventions and strategies aiming at reducing SB in children focusing on the family and school environment in the Czech Republic are required.