Combination of physical activity and screen time on life satisfaction in adults: A cross-sectional survey

Sufficient physical activity (PA) and limited screen time (ST) have been shown to be positively associated with a variety of mental health outcomes. It has been known that PA and ST are independently associated with life satisfaction. Whereas, little is known about the association between combinations of PA and ST with life satisfaction in adults. This study aimed to explore the associations between PA and ST (in insolation or combination) and life satisfaction in adults.

Data from the 2014 European Social Survey (ESS) round 7 consisting of 22 countries were analyzed in this study. In total, self-reported data from 40,185 adults were included in the final analysis. The self-administered method was used to collect demographic information, PA, ST, and life satisfaction. The prevalence of meeting PA guidelines (at least 150 min per week) and ST guidelines (no more than 3 h per day) was calculated according to Canadian 24-h Movement Guidelines for Adults.

Adults who were engaged in sufficient PA and limited ST were more likely to report a higher level of life satisfaction. Meeting PA or ST guidelines was more likely to report higher life satisfaction scores [odds ratio (OR) = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.16-1.47]. Compared with not meeting any guidelines, those who met both PA and ST guidelines had a higher OR (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.37-1.76).

This study found that participating PA while limiting ST concurrently was linked with better life satisfaction. Creating an active lifestyle is important to population's well-being.