Tempo de tela no lazer e consumo alimentar de adultos brasileiros

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are among the biggest public health problems in both developed and developing countries. Time spent in activities in front of screens (for example, television, tablets, cell phones and computers) is directly associated with a lower level of physical activity and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPP), two risk behaviors for the development of NCDs. Objective: To analyze the association between screen time in leisure and food consumption in Brazilian adults (≥18 years). Methods: This is a cross-sectional home-based study with data from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS) conducted in 2019 (n=88,531). Screen time was analyzed in three dimensions: television (TV), other screens (except TV) and total screen time. Food consumption was analyzed in two dimensions: healthy and unhealthy. In addition, Poisson regression models were used to calculate crude prevalence ratios and adjusted (for sociodemographic factors and health) to identify the main factors associated with screen time and food consumption. Results: There was greater exposure to TV among women, older individuals and those with greater social vulnerability, worse weight status and self-rated health. Greater exposure to other screens was found among young adults, at intermediate levels of education and income. There was a higher consumption of healthy foods among women, older individuals, those with better self-assessment of health status and with NCDs. Longer exposure time to screens was associated with higher consumption of unhealthy foods and lower consumption of healthy foods in all dimensions analyzed. Conclusion: An association was identified between prolonged exposure to screens in leisure time and higher consumption of unhealthy foods and lower consumption of healthy foods in the Brazilian adult population.