Physical activity and screen time in Swedish children and adolescents: The generation pep study 2018–2021

Abstract

Aim: To analyse physical activity and screen time trends annually between 2018 and 2021 in large population-based samples of Swedish children and adolescents. Methods: This is a repeated cross-sectional study using data collected over 4 years (2018–2021) using simple probability sampling of Swedish children and adolescents aged 4–17 years. The web-based questionnaire, including questions on physical activity and screen time, was filled out by a parent if the child was <12 years of age and by the adolescents themselves if they were ≥ 12 years. Sociodemographic data was collected from the parents. Results: No significant difference in physical activity was observed in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019. However, older children/adolescents and girls have higher odds to be in a lower physical activity category (p-values<0.001). With regards to screen time, there was a significant increase in reported screen time from 2018 to 2021 for children and adolescents, with screen time peaking in 2020 (p-values<0.001). Conclusion: This is the first study in Sweden evaluating trends in physical activity and screen time in large population-based samples spanning from pre-school to adolescence. Interventions to promote physical activity, especially in the older age groups and to reduce screen time in a Swedish context are warranted.