Abstract
Excessive use of electronic devices by children has become a growing concern due to its potential negative health impacts, particularly the increased risk of childhood obesity. This sedentary behavior, combined with prolonged screen time, can directly influence children's nutritional status, leading to weight gain and other health problems. This study aimed to investigate the association between nutritional status and average screen time in children aged 6 to 10 years attending a University Hospital in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The research was conducted through a cross-sectional case-control study, where anthropometric parameters, screen time, and socioeconomic data of the participants were evaluated. Data collection took place over a year, using questionnaires administered in the General and Pediatric Endocrinology Clinics. The results revealed that 66.7% of the evaluated children were classified as eutrophic, while 33.3% were diagnosed with obesity. The average screen time in the control group was 2.074 hours per day, while in the case group (obese children), the average was 2.92 hours per day, reaching nearly 4 hours during weekends. The findings of this study indicate a strong association between prolonged screen time and childhood obesity, suggesting that time spent in front of electronic devices can be a significant risk factor for developing excess weight in children. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness about the effects of excessive screen time on children's health and encourage further studies focused on this relationship, aiming at preventive and intervention strategies to mitigate the risks associated with excessive screen use.
Published Version
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