Increased Risk of Generalized Anxiety Disorder According to Frequent Sedentary Times Based on the 16th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the association between sedentary behavior and anxiety disorders in 53,510 Korean adolescents. It analyzed data from the 16th (2020) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS). The dependent variable was the generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7). The GAD-7 scores were divided into normal, mild, moderate, and severe levels. The independent variables were sedentary time for learning, other sedentary times, total sedentary time, and regular physical activity. The confounding variables were sex, grade, stress, depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, violent victimization, drinking, smoking, sleep satisfaction, and smartphone addiction. A chi-squared test, one-way analysis of variance, and logistic regression analysis were used for analysis. After adjusting for all confounding variables, the risk of severe level in GAD-7 increased by 1.045 times each time the sedentary time for learning based on increased by one hour. In other sedentary time and total sedentary time, the risk of severe level in GAD-7 increased by 1.025 times and 1.045 times per hour, respectively. However, in regular physical activity, after adjusting for the confounding variables, there was no significant association with the GAD-7 levels. Therefore, to prevent generalized anxiety disorders in Korean adolescents, it is necessary to reduce the overall sedentary times including sedentary time for learning.

Differences in risk of generalized anxiety disorder according to physical activity type in Korea adolescents: The Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey, 2020–2021

“…As in previous studies, it is clear that an increase in sedentary behavior is significantly associated with GAD. 13 – 16 However, unlike sedentary time, regular PA was not significantly related to GAD levels in our previous study. Previous studies have shown that regular PA or moderate levels of exercise help alleviate anxiety disorders 13 – 16 ; however, our study did not reveal this.…”

“… 13 – 16 However, unlike sedentary time, regular PA was not significantly related to GAD levels in our previous study. Previous studies have shown that regular PA or moderate levels of exercise help alleviate anxiety disorders 13 – 16 ; however, our study did not reveal this. A previous study reported a significant negative correlation between GAD-7 scores and PA through multiple regression analysis; vigorous PA and strength exercises were more effective in preventing GAD than mild PA. 13 However, they only divided PA into three types and did not provide specific information such as intensity, time, and frequency.…”

“… 10 – 13 We have previously reported that an increase in sedentary time increased the odds ratio (OR) for the prevalence of GAD. 14 Considering various confounding variables, an hourly increase in total sedentary time increased the likelihood of belonging to the severe GAD group by 1.045 times. However, regular PA did not show a significant association with GAD.…”

Influence of Sedentary Behavior and Smartphone Use on the Risk of Generalized Anxiety Disorder among Adolescents

“…또한 좌식행동 과 불안장애의 관련성 연구는 성인을 대상으로 활발하게 진행 되어 왔으며 [17] 한국 청소년을 대상으로 확인한 연구는 매우 부족하다. 최근 국내 청소년을 대상으로 좌식행동과 범불안장 애 관계를 확인한 연구결과에 따르면 학습의 좌식행동, 학습 외 좌식행동, 좌식행동을 위한 총 시간이 범불안장애와 연관성 이 있는 것으로 보고되었다 [18]. 하지만…”