Associations between sleep duration, chronic health conditions and physical activity of 7-8 year old children. Cross sectional results from the Lithuanian COSI study

Abstract

Introduction. Research show that regular engagement in physical activity in childhood is associated with multiple physical and psychosocial health benefits [1-4]. Sleep duration is recognized as one of the most common issues in modern society [5]. Achieving recommended levels of physical activity and sleep should be considered central components to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in children and youth [6]. In Lithuania the data on children physical activity and associations with sleep duration, chronic health conditions are limited. The aim. to evaluate associations between physical activities and sleep duration, chronic health conditions among 7-8 years old children in Lithuania. Research methods and organization. Data were obtained participating in the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), which was performed in all ten districts of Lithuania. The study was carried out in 2013. A cross-sectional survey was performed using the protocol and methodology prepared by the experts from the WHO and countries participating in the Initiative. The study protocol was granted ethical approval from Lithuanian Bioethics Committee. Parents/guardians provided written informed consent. A multilevel sampling method (district, school and class) was employed for composing a national representative sample. The data were collected by means of standardized questionnaires, which were filled out by 3802 parents of selected first-formers. A part of questions regarding children’s physical activity, sleep duration and chronic health conditions (heart disease, asthma, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, diabetes and etc.) were analyzed. Index of physically active time of children (sum of minutes per day) was calculated. It consisted of time spent playing outside, at home or somewhere else on weekdays and weekends; frequency of attendance of sport or dancing club(s); time each week child spent in physical education lesson[...].