Why are children sedentary: an examination using the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment

ii Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour have been independently associated with a wide range of negative health indicators including obesity, poor cardio-metabolic health, and poor psychosocial health. The overarching objective of this research was to gain a better understanding as to why children are sedentary, and where we need to focus public health messages and interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour. Specifically, I aimed to provide insight on current awareness of sedentary behaviour guidelines; determine important correlates of total sedentary time (SED), and screen time (ST) in Canadian children; and understand correlates of SED and ST in a global context. The primary dataset used for this project was the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE). Background work was completed to review current literature on knowledge and awareness of Canadian physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines (in all age groups), and to understand the representativeness of the ISCOLE dataset. In addition to the two background papers, this dissertation includes three manuscripts, all prepared for submission in scientific, peer-reviewed journals: 1. Manuscript 1: Canadian physical activity and screen time guidelines: do children know? 2. Manuscript 2: Correlates of objectively measured sedentary time and self-reported screen time in Canadian children ii