Differential trends in prolonged sitting time in Europe: a multilevel analysis of European Eurobarometer data from 2013 to 2022

Aim Sitting time is a modifiable risk factor for morbidity and mortality. However, only a few studies have examined how prolonged sitting time has changed over time. Thus, we examined time trends in prolonged sitting time and how trends differ according to sociodemographic groups (age, gender, region, education, income, occupation). Subject and methods We used data from three population-based Eurobarometer surveys conducted in 2013, 2017 and 2022, comprising responses from N = 73448 participants aged 15 years and older from 26 European countries. Multilevel logistic regression models were applied. Results We found differential trends in the odds of prolonged sitting time over the study period. Sitting time significantly increased among middle-aged participants (21-65 years; OR = 1.14, 95%-CI = [1.07; 1.22]), decreased among adolescents (15-20 years; OR = 0.74, 95%-CI = [0.62; 0.88]), and remained relatively stable for older adults (66+ years; OR = 0.94, 95%-CI = [0.84; 1.06]). Furthermore, the increases in middle-aged adults were most strongly observed in those with manual jobs (OR = 1.36, 95%-CI = [1.16; 1.60]) those unemployed (OR = 2.36, 95%-CI = [1.92; 2.89]), and those with income difficulties (e.g., OR = 1.72, 95%-CI = [1.40; 2.11]). Conclusion Thus, trends in sitting time in Europe are differential and not homogeneous: Prolonged sitting time has decreased or remained stable in some subgroups and increased in others. Especially middle-aged participants with a lower socioeconomic status showed increasing prolonged sitting times over the study period. Tailored interventions are needed to target most at-risk groups.