Abstract
The use of technological devices is increasing in all age groups, especially in preschool-aged children. However, there is a limiting number of studies investigating the relationship between the use of technological devices, eating behavior, and weight status in preschool children. The aim of this study was (1) to describe total usage of technological devices, (2) to evaluate level of exclusive use of such devices by children, (3) to investigate children’s eating behaviors and diet in relation to screen time and type. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 children aged 2–5 years in Küçükçekmece and Bakırköy, Istanbul. Data collection consisted of a validated parental questionnaire on demographics and the child’s use of technology and eating behavior, while associations in children were examined using logistic regression analysis. The analysis of the obtained data uncovered a strong association between children’s TV and tablet/smart phone use and the foods consumed by children when using these devices (p = 0.0001; p = 0.012). Also, there was a significant association between children’s eating habits and TV, and tablet/smart phone durations of use (p = 0.015; p = 0.025), but not with computer duration of use (p > 0.05). Obesity and associated health problems can arise as results of suboptimal eating behavior, such as the ones observed in our study, which are also intensified with an increased duration of use of technological devices. The attitude of families towards prudent use of technological equipment is of great importance in impacting present and future health.
Highlights
The questionnaire was applied in the following crèches all located in mixed socioeconomic status neighborhoods of Istanbul: “İkiz Kalpler Anaokulu”, “Gümüş Çocuklar Anaokulu” in Küçükçekmece, and the crèches which are found in Mazhar Osman Soul and Nervous Diseases Hospital in Bakırköy, in Istanbul. 27 questionnaires from “İkiz Kalpler Anaokulu”, 60 questionnaires from “Gümüş Çocuklar Anaokulu”, and 21 questionnaires from crèches found in Mazhar
Along with the presence of technological devices in the household, we investigated the rules governing the use of the existing devices by children
We reported here that children spent over 1 h daily with a tablet/smart phone
Summary
Screen viewing constitutes one of the most common sedentary behaviors [1]. Screen viewing includes several aspects such as television, computers, smart phones, and tablets [2]. [3,4,5] and Australia (i.e., 2–6 years) [6,7], as well as in India [8], are spending between 1.5 to 7.0 h per day screen viewing. Screen viewing is identified as a considerable risk factor for overweight and obesity [9,10,11]. Increased screen-time is positively associated with the development of obesity, which in turn increases the risk of several chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, as well as endocrine and orthopedic disorders [12,13]
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