Factors associated with sedentary behavior among adults (time spent watching TV). A population-based study - ISACAMP 2008

INTRODUCTION:  Time spent watching television (TV) have been used as an indicator of sedentary behavior. The aim of this study was to assess the time spent watching TV according to socioeconomic and demographic factors, health behavior and health status among adults residents in Campinas, SP, Brazil.

METHODS:  A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Campinas Health Survey (ISACAMP 2008) carried out in 2008 and 2009. A total of 957 individuals aged 20 to 59 years were analyzed. The dependent variable was the time spent watching TV: < 4 hours; > 4 hours. Associations between time spent watching TV and the independent variables were determined using the chi-square test. Prevalence ratios were estimated applying Poisson simple and multiple regression models.

RESULTS:  22,6% of the adult population spend 4 hours or more watching TV. The prevalence was higher among individuals with smaller schooling (RP=1,74); among those not working (without work RP=2,22; retirees RP=2,34; housewives RP=2,63); among individuals who do not consume cooked vegetable daily (RP=1,41); among those with a greater frequency of daily consumption of refrigerants (RP=1,34); and those consuming alcoholic beverage 2 days or more by week (RP=1,47);The smaller prevalence of time watching TV 4 hours or more was observed among individuals with absence of common mental disorder (RP=0,61).

CONCLUSIONS:  According to this study, sedentary behavior trends to be linked with other health behavior, as healthier diet and alcoholic beverage intake. The association of higher time watching TV with schooling confirms the health iniquities, also in this field. Health care programs should consider this results, due the importance to decrease the sedentary behavior between the adult Brazilian population.