Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between 24-hour movement behaviours, recreational screen use and psychosocial health outcomes in children: A compositional data analysis approach

It remains unclear whether the time-use composition of 24-h movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary time (ST), physical activity (PA)) and recreational screen use are independently associated with psychosocial health. This study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between 24-h movement behaviour composition, recreational screen use and psychosocial health outcomes in children. Measures completed at baseline (n = 127; 11.7 years) and follow-up (n = 88; 12.8 years) included accelerometer-based 24-h movement behaviours, self-reported recreational screen use and psychosocial health (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale). Linear mixed models were used to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the 24-h movement behaviour composition and recreational screen use levels with psychosocial health outcomes. Overall, the movement behaviour composition (p < 0.05) and recreational screen use levels (p < 0.01) were both cross-sectionally but not longitudinally associated with psychosocial health outcomes. Relative to other behaviours, sleep was negatively associated, while light-intensity PA was positively associated with internalising problems and total difficulties scores. ST was positively associated with internalising problems. High levels of recreational screen use (>2 h/day) were associated with greater externalising problems, total difficulties scores and psychological distress. These findings reinforce the importance of achieving a balance between different types of movement behaviours over a 24-h period for psychosocial health.