Trends in sedentary behaviors among Chinese children and adolescents in leisure time during 2006–2015

Abstract

Objective To understand secular trend of sedentary behaviors of school-aged children and adolescents in leisure time in China, and to provide theoretical basis for health behavior intervention.

Methods Data from China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) during 2006 to 2015 were used to analyze leisure sedentary behaviors of children and adolescents aged 6–17 years. Means and medians were used for basic description and trend analysis, and non-parametric test was used for statistical comparison.

Results The total time of sedentary behavior during leisure time among children and adolescents aged 6–17 years showed a significant increasing trend, in which computer time contributed the most, especially among 6–11-year-old group with a five-fold increase. The time spent watching TV and doing homework slightly decreased. There was no sex difference in the total sedentary time during leisure time ( Z = 1.74, 1.54, 0.08, 1.50, P>0.05), but there was sex difference in time spent in computer and homework ( Z =2.00, 2.01, 2.84, 2.92, P>0.05). Total sedentary time, as well as sedentary time spent in watching TV, computer, and homework differed by age and areas ( Z =52.49–75.21, 54.21–136.31, 24.58–44.55; 6.25–8.61, 6.42–13.34, 3.89–6.42, P<0.01).

Conclusion Over the last decade, sedentary behavior increased during leisure time among Chinese children and adolescents, and the usage pattern has also changed substantially. Results suggest that relevant departments should adopt more strategies to reduce sedentary behaviors and strengthen physical activities.

Abstract

【摘要】 目的 研究中国在校儿童青少年闲暇静坐行为变化趋势, 为健康行为干预提供理论依据。 方法 使用中国 健康与营养调查 2006–2015 年数据, 对 6〜17 岁在校儿童青少年闲暇静坐活动时间进行分析, 采用均数和中位数进行基本 描述和趋势分析, 采用非参数检验进行统计比较。 结果 6 〜17 岁在校儿童青少年闲暇静坐活动总时间呈明显增长趋势, 其中闲暇使用计算机时间增长趋势明显, 从每周的 71 min 增加至 204 min, 尤以 6〜11 岁低龄组儿童青少年使用计算机时 间增长最快, 增长达 5 倍, 闲暇看电视时间和做作业时间平稳中略有下降; 男女生之间在闲暇静坐活动总时间上差异均无 统计学意义 ( Z值分别为 1.74, 1.54, 0.08, 1.50, P值均>0.05), 但在使用计算机、做作业时间上差异较为明显 ( Z值分别为 2.00, 2.01, 2.84, 2.92, P值均>0.05)。不同年龄组和城乡学生在静坐总时间和看电视、使用计算机以及做作业等方面均存 在差异 ( Z 值分别为 52.49〜75.21, 54.21〜136.31, 24.58〜44.55;6.25 〜8.61, 6.42 〜13.34, 3.89 〜6.42, P 值均<0.01)。 结论 过去 10 多年中国儿童青少年闲暇静坐行为时间明显增长, 内容形式也发生很大变化。应采取更有针对性的干预措施, 减 少静坐时间, 加强身体活动。