Foreldrenes tanker og erfaringer knyttet til barnets stillesittende atferd med fokus på skjermbruk.

Masteroppgave folkehelsevitenskap- Universitetet i Agder, 2015

Background: Sedentary behaviour constitutes an independent risk factor for poor health among children. There is a growing concern about obesity as a result of sedentary and screen time. The aim of this study is to achieve a deeper insight into parent`s experiences related to how they perceive their children´s sedentary behaviour. It is desired to get a greater understanding of how it may be possible to provide solutions of reducing and breaking up sedentary behaviour. This study will also examine if increased screen time provides increased body mass index. Method: Semi – structured interviews were performed with 10 parents whose children aged 8 – 12 years. The selection consisted of a strategic sample from two elementary schools and one middle school. The qualitative part has a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach, where the interviews were analyzed by applying a thematic content analysis. In the quantitative part descriptive frequency analysis was used, where data from Vestfold Barnefedmeregister and UNGKOST – 2000 were compared with regard to screen time as a measure of sedentary behaviour in children. Results: The parents experienced that the child had a good balance between being physically active, sedentary and participating in social activities. According to the parents, the child's screen time varied between weekends and weekdays, and the screen content was more important than time consumption. Parents found that availability of digital displays and peers could affect screen time. Parents informed that the children became less sedentary with active involved parents and through organized leisure activity. Conclusion: The parents did not experience the child's screen time as a problem. Results from registry data shows the impact increased screen time can have on children's weight.