Lifestyle-related factors differentiating the prevalence of otorhinolaryngological diseases among 6–17-year-olds from Wrocław, Poland
Introduction
The prevalence of sedentary behavior (SB) has increased in recent decades. According to various studies [[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]], it is one of the factors which contributes to the development of obesity and is involved in the pathogenesis of many non-communicable diseases. SB is defined as an activity in a sitting or reclining position which does not demand a high energy expenditure (≤1.5 metabolic equivalents [METs]) and is divided into sedentary screen-based behaviors (e.g., watching TV, playing video games or operating a computer) and sedentary non-screen-based behaviors (e.g., sitting at school or in a car or bus) [2].
According to Must et al., increased physical activity (PA) and decreased SB are protective against relative weight and fat gains in children and adults [3]. An inactive lifestyle promotes an elevated risk of obesity, poor cardio-metabolic health and poor psychosocial health, including elevated aggression. Likewise, screen-based activities such as watching television, playing video games and operating a computer result in long-lasting adverse effects on health. Television viewing in childhood and adolescence is associated with overweight, poor fitness, smoking and elevated cholesterol level in adulthood [8]. The American Heart Association recommends that children get no more than 1–2 h of TV/computer/video games a day. Children (>6 years of age) and adolescents are advised to have 60 min of moderate-to vigorous-intensity PA per day and weight-bearing exercises at least 3 times a week to promote muscle and bone strength [9]. With the development of technology in 21st century and the increasing popularity of electronic devices, an inactive lifestyle has spread dramatically, with children participating in many activities that require minimal energy expenditure.
Nasal obturation is a common element of adenoid hypertrophy (AH), allergic rhinitis (AR) and rhinosinusitis (RS). It may contribute to children avoiding PA and increasing SB. Strom et al. [10] revealed that severe atopic disease, associated with sleep disturbance, comes with a higher risk of sedentary behaviors. Children with atopic disease associated with sleep disturbance had increased screen time and decreased PA compared with children with either atopic disease or sleep disturbance alone. In another study in a preschool-aged population, lower PA activity was observed among children with a history of asthma or wheezing [11].
There are very few studies examining the correlation between lifestyle factors like SB and PA and the prevalence of otorhinolaryngological diseases in children.
Section snippets
Aim of the study
The aim of the study was to determine the association between the development of otorhinolaryngological diseases, PA and SB.
In particular, answers to the following questions were sought:
- 1.
Is there a relationship between SB and the occurrence of otorhinolaryngological diseases?
- 2.
Does PA correlate with a higher prevalence of otorhinolaryngological diseases?
Methods
This study draws on data collected from the “Let's Get the Kids Moving” study (“Uruchamiamy dzieciaki”), a school-based survey study examining the lifestyle factors among a population of elementary- and junior-high-school children in the city of Wroc³aw, in Lower Silesia, Poland. “Lets Get the Kids Moving” took place in 2016–2017 when the parents of 2913 children responded to a multidisciplinary questionnaire that requested information on the lifestyle factors of their peers. The children were
Adenoid hypertrophy (AH)
There was a statistically significant correlation between the frequency of cleaning/vacuuming and the prevalence of AH (Fig. 1, p < 0.05). Children with AH cleaned/vacuumed less often than children without AH (2.1 vs. 2.2; p = 0.031).
Rhinosinusitis (RS)
There was a statistically significant correlation between the prevalence of RS and screen-based activities on weekdays (Fig. 2). RS was more common in children involved in computer use and computer gaming for more than 5 h a day.
Allergic rhinitis (AR)
Parents of 19.6% of the children
Discussion
Cultural and socio-economic changes, increased urbanization, advanced computerization, and technological progress have contributed to a decrease in PA and an increased in SB. In developed countries, nourishment is more accessible and affordable, hard physical work requiring humans is in many cases being replaced by machines, car ownership has increased and there are more labor-saving devices and techniques. SB (i.e., excessive sitting, as distinct from insufficient PA) and decreased PA are
Conclusion
Our study provides support for the linkage between PA, SB and an increased prevalence of otorhinolaryngological diseases. Even moderate-intensity household activities like vacuuming and cleaning are beneficial and may be connected with a decreased prevalence of otorhinolaryngological diseases, with a subsequent decreased need for adenoidectomy as a surgical treatment option. Further studies are needed to establish the pathogenesis of this correlation. A better understanding of the negative
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