Th e association of changes in screentime sedentary behavior with changes in depression symptomology: Prospective pilot study
Paul D. Loprinzi, Eveleen Sng
Abstract
Objective: It is well established that physical activity is inversely associated with depression symptoms. Emerging work demonstrates that independent of physical activity, sedentary behavior is associated with mental health outcomes. However, limited research has examined the influences of changes in sedentary behavior on changes in depression symptoms, which was the purpose of this pilot study. Methods: In this prospective pilot study, 29 adults (Agemean = 36.8; 79% female) completed a survey at baseline and again approximately 2-months later. Sedentary behavior (TV and computer use) and depression (PHQ-9), along with potential confounders (e.g. physical activity, anxiety), were subjectively assessed. Results: In a series of nested, sequential multivariable regression models, increases in screen-time sedentary behavior over the follow-up period was associated with increased depression symptomology (βadjusted = 0.65; 95% confidence interval CI: 0.06-1.23; P = 0.03). There was no evidence to suggest a bi-directional relationship, in that changes in depression symptoms was not associated with follow-up screen-time sedentary behavior (β = 0.31; 95% CI: –0.08-71; P = 0.11). Conclusion: Increases in screen-time sedentary behavior were associated with increased depression symptomology. Future replicative work is needed.