Lifestyle-related factors differentiating the prevalence of otorhinolaryngological diseases among 6-17-year-olds from Wroclaw, Poland.

ABSTRACT

An increased prevalence of sedentary behavior (SB) and a decrease in physical activity (PA) has been noted in recent decades. The aim of the study was to determine the association between the development of otorhinolaryngological diseases, PA and SB. Study draws on data collected from "Let's Get the Kids Moving" study ("Uruchamiamy dzieciaki"), a school-based survey study examining lifestyle factors among a population of elementary- and junior-high-school children in the city of Wroclaw, Poland. The respondents were asked about SB, PA and the prevalence of conditions or groups of otorhinolaryngological conditions adenoid hypertrophy (AH), rhinosinusitis (RS) and allergic rhinitis (AR). There was a statistically significant association between the frequency of cleaning/vacuuming and the prevalence of AH. There was a statistically significant correlation between the prevalence of RS and screen-based activities on weekdays. AR was more prevalent in children who run less often, are less often engaged in team sports, spend less time outdoors on school days and weekends and spend more time in front of the computer on school days. Our study provides support for the linkage between PA, SB and an increased prevalence of otorhinolaryngological diseases.