Characterising sedentary and screen-based behaviour in adults

Harvey, Danielle Lauren (2023) Characterising sedentary and screen-based behaviour in adults. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

The evolution of technology has increased the breadth of sedentary and screenbased behaviours available, with many adults now spending a large amount of time engaging in sedentary activities. However, the trends, correlates, and measures of these different types of behaviours are poorly understood. This thesis presents four interlinked studies that aim to advance the understanding of contemporary patterns in sedentary and screen-based behaviours in adults to inform population surveillance, measurement and the design of behaviour change interventions. Study 1 explores temporal trends in screen-based behaviours internationally using data from a global market research company. In Study 2 data from the United Kingdom Time Use Survey are used to describe the diurnal patterns of different types of sedentary and screen-based behaviours and their associated secondary activities. Study 3 examines the association of country-level factors with selfreported sitting time using four waves of data from the European Commission Eurobarometer Survey. This chapter also explores whether these associations vary over time and by individual factors. Finally, the review conducted in Study 4 describes the characteristics of questionnaires used for national surveillance of sedentary behaviour and identifies the types of behaviours being measured. This thesis has provided insight into sedentary and screen-based behaviours in relation to trends, patterns, correlates, and measures whilst acknowledging the challenges facing researchers in the future. Findings demonstrate the evolution of screenbased behaviours over time, highlighting the increasingly prevalent use of mobile phones and online TV viewing. Sedentary and screen-based behaviours peak in the evenings and occur alongside other behaviours, suggesting that interventions should be time and behaviour specific. Additionally, the cross-level interactions observed between country and individual level factors highlight the potential benefit of employing multi-level interventions. Despite the increasing engagement particularly with screen-based behaviours, these are not typically measured within national surveillance systems.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
Depositing User:	Nicola Veasy
Date Deposited:	28 May 2024 14:00
Last Modified:	28 May 2024 14:00
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/95319
DOI:

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