The moderating effect of physical activity on the association between screen-based behaviors and chronic diseases

We analyzed the associations of screen-based behaviors with obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, and the moderation of different physical activity (PA) domains in these associations. We used data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey, including data from 80,940 adults (mean age of 32.6 years). TV viewing, other screens (PC, tablet, and cell phone), PA domains (leisure-time, occupational, and transport) were collected via interview. Logistic regression models were used. There was a dose–response association of higher TV viewing with diabetes. Within the groups with medium and higher time spent on other screens, those with < 150 min/week in leisure-time PA increased the odds for obesity [1–2.9 h/day: OR = 1.18 (1.01, 1.39)] and hypertension [1–2.9 h/day: OR = 1.29 (1.08, 1.53); ≥ 6 h/day: OR = 1.47 (1.03, 2.09)]. Likewise, among the participants who spent ≥ 6 h/day of TV viewing, those with < 150 min/week of occupational PA presented higher odds for hypertension [OR = 1.61 (1.03, 2.53)]. In the group with higher use of other screens, < 150 min per week of occupational PA was associated with lower odds for obesity [1–2.9 h/day: OR = 0.81 (0.68, 0.97)] and hypertension [≥ 6 h/day: OR = 0.65 (0.44, 0.98)]. In conclusion, the associations of other screens with obesity and hypertension were strongest among those without leisure-time PA, while the moderator role of occupational PA was not clear.