The effect of chronotype characteristics on cardiovascular health behaviors in school-age children: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to investigate the effect of chronotype characteristics on cardiovascular health behaviors in school-age children. This descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study involved 424 school-age children aged 10-12. Participants completed the Morningness-Eveningness Scale for Children (MESC) and the Cardiovascular Health Behavior Scale for Children (CHBSC). The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis, adhering to ethical principles throughout the study. The mean MESC and CHBSC scores for the children were 28.37 ± 5.20 and 57.04 ± 11.34, respectively. 53.8% of the children exhibited moderate cardiovascular health behaviors, while 79% had a moderate chronotype. A moderate negative correlation was observed between MESC and CHBSC scores (<i>r</i> = -0.39, <i>p</i> < 0.01), with the MESC explaining 16% of the variance in cardiovascular health behaviors. The MESC influenced cardiovascular health behaviors and its subscales nutrition, exercise, sedentary lifestyle, self-love, and stress subscales. Most school-age children display intermediate chronotype characteristics and cardiovascular health behaviors. Children with an evening chronotype demonstrated lower levels of cardiovascular health behaviors. Chronotype characteristics had the most negative impact on the sedentary lifestyle aspect of cardiovascular health behaviors. Furthermore, chronotype plays a significant role in explaining the key factors influencing cardiovascular health behaviors.