Association Between Combinations of 24-Hour Movement Behaviors and Depression Among Adolescents — Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, 2019–2021

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? In recent years, there has been growing concern regarding the escalating rates of depression among adolescents. While certain individual behaviors have been suggested as potential protective factors for mental health, there is a scarcity of research examining the collective influence of 24-hour movement behaviors. What is added by this report? This research documented the prevalence of adolescent depression, along with the rates of adherence to 24-hour movement behavior guidelines encompassing moderate to vigorous physical activity, screen time, and sleep time, in the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. A significant correlation was observed between levels of depression and combined health behaviors. Of particular note was the finding that adherence to the “screen+sleep time” recommendation was linked with the lowest risk of depression. What are the implications for public health practice? A comprehensive intervention that targets three 24-hour movement behaviors should be accentuated, with the combination of “sleep and screen time” potentially offering the most effective approach to managing depression.