Self-reported TV and computer time do not represent accelerometer-derived total sedentary time in 10 to 12-year-olds

Eur J Public Health. 2013 Feb;23(1):30-2. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/cks047. Epub 2012 Apr 27.

Abstract

Screen-time activities are often used as proxies for sedentary time. We studied associations of self-reported television (TV), computer and total screen-time with accelerometer-derived total sedentary time in European children (10-12 years). Analyses showed significant positive associations between TV, computer and total screen-time with total sedentary time for the total sample, however, the explained variance was low and stratified analyses only revealed a significant positive association between total screen-time and total sedentary time in boys and between computer time and total sedentary time in Dutch children. This suggests that self-reported TV and computer time do not adequately reflect total sedentary time in schoolchildren.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry*
  • Child
  • Computers*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities
  • Male
  • Sedentary Behavior*
  • Self Report
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Television*