Korean J Health Promot.  2025 Dec;25(4):130-137. 10.15384/kjhp.2025.00157.

Factors Influencing Non-Academic Sedentary Behavior in Korean Adolescents: A Secondary Analysis of the 19th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey

• LEE J
• PARK SY

• KMID: 2575199
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15384/kjhp.2025.00157

Abstract

Background
This study examined the factors influencing non-academic sedentary behavior among Korean adolescents, focusing on weekday–weekend differences.
Methods
A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the 2023 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N=52,880). Sedentary behavior was measured separately on weekdays and weekends. Independent variables included sex, age, and body mass index (BMI; physical characteristics); stress, anxiety, and smartphone overdependence (psychological characteristics); and living with family (social characteristics). Data were analyzed using complex sample general linear models.
Results
Average sedentary time was 206.35 minutes on weekdays and 321.96 minutes on weekends. Sex, age, BMI, anxiety, and smartphone overdependence significantly predicted sedentary behavior on both weekdays and weekends (P<0.05). Stress was significant only on weekends (P=0.012); living with family showed no significant association.
Conclusions
Psychological and behavioral factors substantially influence adolescents’ sedentary behavior. In particular, smartphone overdependence and anxiety should be considered, and interventions need to address emotional and contextual factors, including weekday–weekend differences.

Keyword

Sedentary behavior; Adolescent; Psychological stress; Technology addiction