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Effects of TV in the bedroom on young Hispanic children

Du Feng1, Debra B Reed, M Christina Esperat

  • 1Texas Tech University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, PO Box 41230, Lubbock, TX 79409-1230, USA. du.feng@ttu.edu

American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP
|May 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Most Hispanic children have a TV in their bedroom, which is linked to more screen time and unhealthy habits like eating fast food. This highlights a need for interventions to promote healthier lifestyles.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern, particularly among low-income and Hispanic populations.
  • Excessive screen time is a known risk factor for unhealthy behaviors and weight gain in children.
  • The presence of a television in the child's bedroom (TVIB) is a potential environmental factor influencing viewing habits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess television viewing habits among Hispanic young children.
  • To examine the association between having a TV in the child's bedroom (TVIB) and health-related behaviors.
  • To identify potential risk factors for overweight and obesity in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • A quasi-experimental design using baseline data from a longitudinal study in West Texas.
  • Involved 315 parents/guardians and 597 Hispanic children aged 5–9 years from low-income families.
  • Utilized anthropometric measures, body mass index (BMI) for overweight status, and surveys on demographics, acculturation, and family habits.

Main Results:

  • 70% of children had a TV in their bedroom (TVIB); over 30% were overweight or at risk.
  • Children with TVIB spent an average of 0.93 hours more daily watching TV/DVD.
  • Children with TVIB consumed more fast food, while those without TVIB had parents who better supported physical activity.

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of TVIB exists in this low-income Hispanic sample.
  • TVIB is significantly associated with increased daily TV/DVD viewing time and higher fast-food consumption.
  • Findings suggest TVIB is a contributing factor to unhealthy behaviors in Hispanic children, warranting targeted interventions.
Abstract

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