Factors associated with excessive screen time in the Brazilian population: a panel study with 254.600 adults and elderly.

Abstract

Screen time has prompted investigations by researchers worldwide because of its impact on general health. This research aimed to analyze excessive screen time from a Brazilian national survey among adults and older people and to verify the immediate effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the evolution of the behavior. A panel study using the survey database between 2016-2022, in a sample of 254,600 Brazilian adults and elderly residents in capital cities. Excessive screen time was considered for "more than 6 hours" per day. The prevalence of the outcome was 7.03% (95%CI: 6.8-7.3). Adjusted analysis indicated age 18-39 and 40-59 years, marital status single, stable union and separated or divorced, educational achievement range of 9-11 years, Northern, Northeast, and Southeast regions, cigarette smoking, abusive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and the period from 2021 to 2022 as variables that were associated with excessive screen time. This research highlights the importance of a comprehensive look at people who seem to care less about their overall health. It promotes a better understanding of the exposition of excessive screen time in Brazilian adults and older people.