Title |
Stability of television viewing and electronic game/computer use in a prospective cohort study of Australian children: relationship with body mass index
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Published in |
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, November 2007
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DOI | 10.1186/1479-5868-4-60 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Kylie Hesketh, Melissa Wake, Melissa Graham, Elizabeth Waters |
Abstract |
While much cross-sectional data is available, there have been few longitudinal investigations of patterns of electronic media use in children. Further, the possibility of a bi-directional relationship between electronic media use and body mass index in children has not been considered. This study aimed to describe longitudinal patterns of television viewing and electronic game/computer use, and investigate relationships with body mass index (BMI). This prospective cohort study was conducted in elementary schools in Victoria, Australia. 1278 children aged 5-10 years at baseline and 8-13 years at follow-up had their BMI calculated, from measured height and weight, and transformed to z-scores based on US 2000 growth data. Weight status (non-overweight, overweight and obese) was based on international BMI cut-off points. Weekly television viewing and electronic game/computer use were reported by parents, these were summed to generate total weekly screen time. Children were classified as meeting electronic media use guidelines if their total screen time was </=14 hrs/wk. Electronic media use increased over the course of the study; 40% met guidelines at baseline but only 18% three years later. Television viewing and electronic game/computer use tracked moderately and total screen time was positively associated with adiposity cross-sectionally. While weaker relationships with adiposity were observed longitudinally, baseline z-BMI and weight status were positively associated with follow-up screen time and baseline screen time was positively associated with z-BMI and weight status at follow-up. Children who did not meet guidelines at baseline had significantly higher z-BMI and were more likely to be classified as overweight/obese at follow-up. Electronic media use in Australian elementary school children is high, increases with age and tracks over time. There appears to be a bi-directional association suggesting that interventions targeting reductions in either screen time or adiposity may have a positive effect on both screen time and adiposity. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Australia | 2 | 2% |
United States | 2 | 2% |
Brazil | 2 | 2% |
Germany | 1 | 1% |
Malaysia | 1 | 1% |
Portugal | 1 | 1% |
Spain | 1 | 1% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 1% |
Unknown | 81 | 88% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Ph. D. Student | 14 | 15% |
Student > Master | 11 | 12% |
Researcher | 9 | 10% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 7 | 8% |
Student > Bachelor | 7 | 8% |
Other | 17 | 18% |
Unknown | 27 | 29% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Sports and Recreations | 13 | 14% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 10 | 11% |
Psychology | 10 | 11% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 7 | 8% |
Social Sciences | 6 | 7% |
Other | 13 | 14% |
Unknown | 33 | 36% |