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Journal of Public Health Advance Access published online on March 28, 2008
Journal of Public Health, doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdn022
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© The Author 2008, Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved

Relationship between screen time and metabolic syndrome in adolescents


Amy E. Mark, M.sc.1
Ian Janssen, Ph.D.1,2

1 School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, 69 Union Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
2 Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6


Address correspondence to Ian Janssen, E-mail: ian.janssen{at}queensu.ca


  Abstract

Background The primary objective was to determine the dose–response relation between screen time (television + computer) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents.

Methods The study sample included 1803 adolescents (12–19 years) from the 1999–04 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Average daily screen time (combined television, computer and video game use) was self-reported. MetS was defined according to adolescent criteria linked to the adult criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (≥3 of high triglycerides, high fasting glucose, high waist circumference, high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol).

Results After adjustment for relevant covariates, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for MetS increased in a dose–response manner (Ptrend < 0.01) across ≤1 h/day (1.00, referent), 2 h/day (1.21, 0.54–2.73), 3 h/day (2.16, 0.99–4.74), 4 h/day (1.73, 0.72–4.17) and ≥5 h/day (3.07, 1.48–6.34) screen time categories. Physical activity had a minimal impact on the relation between screen time and MetS.

Conclusions Screen time was associated with an increased likelihood of MetS in a dose-dependent manner independent of physical activity. These findings suggest that lifestyle-based public health interventions for youth should include a specific component aimed at reducing screen time.

Keywords: cardiovascular disease, obesity, physical activity


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