Trends in Screen Time Among Chinese Children
Author Information
Author(s): Cui Zhaohui, Hardy Louise L, Dibley Michael J, Bauman Adrian
Primary Institution: Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Australia
Hypothesis
The study aims to examine temporal trends in sedentary behaviours and recent correlates of screen use in Chinese children during a period of economic transition.
Conclusion
Sedentary behaviour has increased over the last decade in Chinese children, highlighting the need for interventions to limit screen time.
Supporting Evidence
- Daily screen time significantly increased in each subgroup by age, sex, and urban/rural residence.
- Boys were more likely to exceed 2 hours of screen time compared to girls.
- Having a TV in the bedroom was associated with higher screen time.
- Access to the internet at home or internet cafés increased the likelihood of exceeding screen time guidelines.
Takeaway
Kids in China are spending more time in front of screens, which can be bad for their health, so it's important for parents to help them watch less TV and play less on computers.
Methodology
Secondary analysis of China Health and Nutrition Surveys with cross-sectional data on sedentary behaviours among children aged 6-18 years from four surveys conducted in 1997, 2000, 2004, and 2006.
Potential Biases
The sampling frame was not available in 1989, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Limitations
The cross-sectional nature of the data limits causal inferences, and the survey questions evolved over time to reflect emerging technologies.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6-18 years from eight provinces in China, with a mix of urban and rural participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95%CI: 1.09 - 1.82
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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