Multimorbidity is associated with TV-viewing, but not with other types of screen-based behaviors in Brazilian adults

BACKGROUND: The presence of multimorbidity increases the risk of mortality, and identifying correlates of multimorbidity can direct interventions by targeting specific modifiable correlates. Here we aimed to investigate the association between two types of screen-based behaviors and multimorbidity. METHODS: We used data from 87,678 Brazilian adults from the National Health Survey (2019). Multimorbidity (presence of two or more chronic conditions among 12 possibilities), TV-viewing, and time on other types of screens (computer, tablet, or cell phone), were self-reported. Crude and adjusted binary and multinominal logistic regression models were performed stratified by sex, age group, and the number of chronic conditions. RESULTS: Considering adjusted values, 2 h/day as a reference, and reporting values in odds ratio (OR) and prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), multimorbidity presented associations with TV-viewing in general [from OR (95%CI) 1.10 (1.03–1.18) in 2 to < 3 h/d, to OR (95%CI) 1.57 (1.40–1.76) in ≥ 6 h/d], except in 2 to < 3 h/d time category for male and 35 to 49 years, and all time categories for 18 to 34 years. In addition, TV-viewing was associated with an increasing number of chronic conditions, all greater in ≥ 6 h/d [2 conditions - PR (95%CI) 1.24 (1.08–1.43); 3 conditions - PR (95%CI) 1.74 (1.45–2.08); 4 or more conditions - PR (95%CI) 2.29 (1.93–2.73)], except in 2 conditions on 2 to < 3 h/d. Other types of screen-based behaviors were only associated with multimorbidity among males [≥ 6 h/d: OR (95%CI) 1.22 (1.01–1.48)] and older individuals (65 years) in some time categories [3 to < 6 h/d: OR (95%CI) 1.98 (1.42–2.77) and ≥ 6 h/d: OR (95%CI) 1.73 (1.06–2.84)]. CONCLUSION: Intervention strategies for reducing screen time in Brazilian adults should focus mainly on TV-viewing, which seems to be associated with more harmful conditions than time on other types of screen-based behaviors. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14365-5.