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Sleep, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Relation to Mental Health among Slovenian Adolescents: Evidence from HBSC 2022
Helena Jeriček Klanšček, Drev Andreja, Lucija Furman, Tina Zupanič, Vesna Pucelj, Maja Roškar, Neža Karo
National institute of Public Health Slovenia, Slovenia
Introduction Sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour are determinants of adolescent mental health. We examined their associations with mental health indicators. We hypothesised that adolescents meeting recommendations for daily physical activity and sleep, and reporting lower sedentary time, would demonstrate more favourable mental health outcomes.
Methods Cross-sectional data from the 2022 Slovenian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study were analysed (15- and 17-year-olds; n = 4,484). Measures included self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (60 minutes daily), leisure-time sedentary behaviour (>4 hours/day), and sleep duration (8–10 hours vs. other). Mental health indicators comprised life satisfaction (9+), self-rated excellent health, weekly psychosomatic complaints (≥2), depressive symptoms (WHO-5), and severe anxiety (GAD-7). Associations were tested using chi-square tests, with strength estimated using Cramer’s V.
Results Significant associations were found between all three movement behaviours and life satisfaction, self-rated health, psychosomatic complaints, and depressive symptom risk (all p < 0.001; V = 0.075–0.191). The strongest associations were observed for sedentary behaviour with depressive symptom risk (p < 0.001; V = 0.191) and for physical activity with excellent self-rated health (p < 0.001; V = 0.184). For severe anxiety, associations were significant for sleep (p = 0.0003; V = 0.064) and sedentary behaviour (p < 0.001; V = 0.097), but not for physical activity (p = 0.204; V = 0.020).
Conclusions Integrated promotion of sufficient sleep, daily physical activity, and reduced sedentary time may improve adolescent mental well-being. Findings support policies embedding 24-hour movement behaviours within health-enhancing physical activity strategies.
