Effect Of Screen-Time on Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Within few years, there is a quick increase in ratios showing more than quarter of Pakistani adults is obese which is a serious concern to their health. This obesity is often associated with increased usage of screen such as mobile, TV and computers. The objective of the study was to assess the association between screen-time and obesity co-relating with factors such as snack and fizzy drink uptake, exercise and mental health.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 257 participants of Karachi, Pakistan, aged 5 to 60 years from both genders. A questionnaire was filled asking about their screen usage, eating habits, exercise routine and BMI. The data was analyzed by using Student T test & ANOVA to assess the significance of obesity with screen-time and other often associated factors.

Results: On statistical analysis, the results showed that the P- value between obese and non-obese group for screen-time was p=0.557 in females and p=0.488 in males respectively. Similarly, P-value for eating habits and physical activity between the obese and non-obese group were insignificant.

Conclusion: Based on the given statistical data increase in screen-time lacks direct and indirect association with obesity and its risk factors. Hence further research needs to be conducted to find a scientific co-relation between the two factors.