Determinants of High Screen Time Use and Physical Inactivity Among High School Students in Texas: A 2001-2023 Cross-Sectional Study
Asha Collier, Justin Buendia, Colin Ferrel, Nimisha BhaktaPurpose
To examine demographic, socioeconomic, and health related correlates of the combined behavioral pattern of high screen time and physical inactivity among Texas high school students.
Design
Cross-sectional study using Youth Risk Behavior Survey data.
Setting
Texas high schools.
Sample
32 227 students in grades 9-12 from 2001-2023.
Measures
Screen time was dichotomized as high (≥3 hours/day) vs low (<3 hours/day). Physical activity was categorized as low (0-3 days/week) vs high (>3 days/week of ≥60 minutes/day). Demographic, body mass index, mental health, substance use, and dietary variables were assessed.
Analysis
Weighted prevalence estimates and multivariable logistic regression models were used, adjusting for potential confounders.
Results
Approximately 25% of students exhibited both high screen time and low physical activity. Female students had 75% higher odds (95% CI: 1.54-2.00) of this behavioral combination compared to males. Black, Hispanic, and Other/Multiracial students had 2-3 times higher odds compared to White students. Students perceiving themselves as very overweight had 2.5 times higher odds of both high screen time and low physical activity (95% CI: 1.82-3.50) compared to those who perceived themselves as having about the right weight. Depression and drug use were associated with increased odds, while fruit and vegetable consumption showed protective effects.
Conclusion
Comprehensive, culturally tailored interventions targeting both behaviors simultaneously are needed, particularly among underrepresented racial/ethnic groups and students with mental health challenges.