Parental influences on children’s dietary intake, screen time and its relationship to their weight status

Abstract

It is important to know more about the influence of parent’s actions and behaviours on children’s dietary intake, screen time and weight of children in developing countries. This study aimed to understand parental influences on children’s dietary intake, screen time and its relationship to children’s weight in Bangalore urban district. Data was collected from parents of children aged 6 to 12 through a self administered questionnaire. Sample comprised of 140 children selected among a purposive method from a tertiary hospital and three private schools. BMI Percentile of children was calculated using the IAP application. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Pearson’s correlation and Spearman’s correlation was used to analyze correlation of various parameters. The frequency of consumption of fried foods, processed foods, fast foods and bakery foods was significantly associated with children’s BMI (p<0.05). Parental screen time was positively associated with child screen time, (r=0.368, p=0.001). A significant positive relationship was found between screen time and child’s BMI, (r=0.559, p= 0.001). Over one quarter of children aged 6 to 12 who took part in the study were overweight and obese. Healthy diet and lifestyle guidelines were provided to parents to understand the importance of it in preventing chronic diseases in their children. More such intervention programmes must be implemented to encourage parents to take appropriate measures concerning children’s unhealthy eating habits, long term screen exposure and reduced outdoor activities.