Association between sedentary behavior, screen time and metabolic syndrome among Chinese children and adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between sedentary behavior, screen time and MetS among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–17 years. Data was obtained from the China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Mothers in 2016–2017. Methods Data on sedentary time, screen time, and MetS indicators were obtained through physical and health questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and clinical examinations. MetS was defined according to the Cook’s criteria. Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-square test were applied for comparisons of measurement data and counting data, respectively. The relationship between sedentary time, screen time, and MetS and its components was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results The prevalence of MetS among 7-17-year-old students in 2016–2017 was 5.45%. Compared to those with low sedentary behavior, in high sedentary behavior groups, the prevalence of abdominal obesity, high TG, low HDL-C, and MetS was high in boys, and the prevalence of abdominal obesity, high TG, hyperglycemia, and MetS was high in girls. Moreover, for those who reported ≥ 3 h/day of screen time, the prevalence of abdominal obesity, low HDL-C, and MetS was higher in boys, and the prevalence of abdominal obesity and MetS was higher in girls. After adjusting for confounding variables, the risks of abdominal obesity, high TG, low HDL-C, and MetS were higher in high-level sedentary time group, and the risks of abdominal obesity and MetS were 1.15 and 1.14 times higher for those who spent ≥ 3 h/day on screen time, respectively. Conclusions This study shows that high levels of sedentary time and screen time were associated with an increased likelihood of MetS among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–17 years. Reducing sedentary behavior and screen time may contribute to the prevention of metabolic diseases.