Investigating the Association Between Child Television Viewing and Measured Child Adiposity Outcomes in a Large Nationally Representative Sample of New Zealanders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This study investigates the association between television (TV) viewing and child adiposity and if parental education and child ethnicity moderate this association. Method: Cross-sectional, pooled (2013/2014-2016/2017) adult and child New Zealand Health Survey were matched resulting in 13,039 children (2-14 y) and parent dyads. Child TV viewing was estimated using self-reported time for each weekday and weekend. The height (in centimeters), weight (in kilograms), and waist circumference of parents and children were measured. Childhood body mass index and obesity were defined using the International Obesity Task Force cutoff values. Effect modification was assessed by interaction and then by stratifying regression analyses by parent education (low, moderate, and high) and child ethnicity (Asian, European/other, Maori, and Pacific). Results: Overall, watching >= 2 hours TV on average per day in the past week, relative to <2 hours TV viewing, was associated with a higher odds of obesity (adjusted odds ratio = 1.291 [1.108-1.538]), higher body mass index z score (b = 0.123 [0.061-0.187]), and higher waist circumference (b = 0.546 [0.001-1.092]). Interactions considering this association by child ethnicity and parent education revealed little evidence of effect modification. Conclusion: While TV viewing was associated with child adiposity, the authors found little support for a moderating role of parental education and child ethnicity.

Automated summary

The study found that children watching TV for more than 2 hours per day were associated with increased risk of obesity, higher body mass index z score, and increased waist circumference. However, there was little evidence to support the moderating role of parental education and child ethnicity on this association.