Media Usage and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Children

Increased screen time in children is significantly associated with lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). The purpose of this study was to explore the association between different types of media use and the adherence to the MD in children.

The study sample included 332 children aged 10-11 years attending the fifth year of primary school in Veneto, north-east Italy. The children's mothers were surveyed on their children's adherence to the MD, using the KidMed questionnaire, and on the time of media use, using the Media Activity Form-Parent (MAF-P). A multivariable backward stepwise linear regression was applied, adjusting the association for other potential confounding factors.

Children's primary digital activities were watching TV or streaming platforms (5.0 h/week) and video content (2.5 h/week), followed by digital games (2.3 h/week). Lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with digital games (regression coefficient -0.65, SE 0.29, p = 0.026) and time spent watching TV or streaming platforms (regression coefficient -0.60, SE 0.29, p = 0.04).

Interventions to promote healthier diets justify an approach that includes media education. Providing parents with recommendations on children's use of digital media devices can empower them to improve their children's well-being.