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Physical activity, screen time, and school absenteeism: self-reports from NHANES 2005-2008.
Andrew R Hansen1, Tony Pritchard2, Irina Melnic3
1a Department of Community Health Behavior and Education , Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University , Statesboro , GA , USA ;
Current Medical Research and Opinion
|December 25, 2015
Summary
Excessive TV watching is linked to severe school absenteeism in children and adolescents. Inactive or highly active children also show higher rates of absence, highlighting complex relationships between physical activity, screen time, and school attendance.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- School absenteeism is a significant public health concern impacting academic success and well-being.
- Lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity and screen time, are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to school absenteeism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity levels and screen time with severe school absenteeism (SSA) in children and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.
- Included proxy interviews for 1048 children (6-11 years) and self-reports for 1117 adolescents (12-18 years).
- Severe school absenteeism defined as missing 10% of school days.
Main Results:
- Watching TV ≥2 hours/day was significantly associated with SSA in both children (OR=3.51) and adolescents (OR=3.96).
- A U-shaped association between physical activity and SSA was found in children: inactivity (OR=12.4) and high activity (OR=14.8) increased SSA risk compared to moderate activity.
- No significant association was found between computer use (≥3 hours/day) and SSA in either age group.
Conclusions:
- Excessive television viewing is independently associated with severe school absenteeism in children and adolescents.
- Both physical inactivity and very high physical activity levels in children are linked to increased severe school absenteeism.
- Findings suggest a complex interplay between lifestyle behaviors and school attendance, warranting further investigation.