Adherence to physical activity and screen time recommendations of youth: Demographic differences from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018

Abstract

Background: Engaging in physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behaviors among youth are linked to improved mental and physical health. This study aimed to examine demographic differences among youth adhering to PA and Screen Time (ST) recommendations. Methods: The present study utilized data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The NHANES survey employed a cross-sectional design and gathered information on the daily duration of moderate-to-vigorous PA lasting 60 min or more, as well as the maximum daily ST not exceeding 2 h. The analysis encompassed a total of 1697 youth aged between 6 and 17 years. Results: Overall, 36.3% of participants adhered to PA recommendations, 20.9% adhered to ST recommendations and 10.8% of youth met both recommendations. The odds of meeting PA, ST and both recommendations were inversely associated with obesity (obese vs. normal: aOR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.42–0.75]), (aOR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.48–0.94]) and (aOR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32–0.82]) respectively, and age (14–17 years vs. 6–9 years: aOR, 0.2 [95% CI, 0.15–0.27]), (aOR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.23–0.47]) and (aOR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.09–0.3]) respectively. Conclusion: A small portion of the youth met PA and ST recommendations. Older youth, youth with obesity, and youth with a parent or guardian who had not completed a high school education were particularly at risk.