WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT:Children's screen time should be limited to Յ2 hours/day. Strategies to limit excessive screen time include development of parental rules (studies have not yet examined the importance of consistency) and promotion of physical activity (study results have been mixed).
WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:Rules that were consistent and that were reported by both parents and children were associated with the lowest prevalence of children exceeding recommended screen-time limits. Children's odds of exceeding screen-time limits decreased as the number of physical activity sessions increased.abstract OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations of demographics, rules associated with television-viewing, and physical activity with daily screen time (including television, non-school-related computer use, and video games) in children and adolescents.
METHODS:We analyzed data from a telephone survey of 7415 youth aged 9 to 15 years from the Youth Media Campaign Longitudinal Survey. We used logistic regression models to calculate odds of exceeding recommended screen-time limits (Ͼ120 minutes/day) according to demographics, rules, and physical activity.
RESULTS:Odds that children would exceed recommended screen-time limits were positively associated with age and black race/ethnicity and negatively associated with income level. Children and adolescents who reported that they really agreed that their parents had rules about time spent watching television and playing video games were less likely to exceed recommended limits than those who strongly disagreed that their parents had rules. Similarly, when parents reported always or very often having limits on television watching (versus rarely or never) and when parents correctly identified the recommended limits, children were less likely to exceed recommended limits. Children whose parents reported consistent limits and who themselves reported consistent rules about time spent watching television had the lowest prevalence of exceeding recommended limits. Odds that children would exceed recommended limits decreased as physical activity in the previous week increased.
CONCLUSIONS:Parental rules regarding screen time and participation in physical activity play a role in the amount of screen time among children and adolescents. Programs that encourage limit-setting by parents and promote physical activity may reduce screen time among youth. Pediatrics 2010;126:e89-e96 AUTHORS:
Obesity rates for children and adolescents with spina bifida are similar to the general population; however, obesity rates are higher among adults, particularly women. Risk factors are similar to those observed in the general population.
Our findings demonstrate that adult Special Olympics participants have high levels of overweight and obesity; particularly among women and those from North America. It is crucial that those who work with, care for, coach and live with adults with ID who participate in Special Olympics increase efforts to promote healthy weight status.
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