TV WATCHING, COMPUTER USE, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG 8TH GRADE ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

TV viewing may facilitate the development of overweight by taking time away from more active pastimes. This study examined the relationship between physical activity and spending time watching TV and using a computer. Ninety-one 8th grade students reported average time spent watching TV and using a computer for week and weekend days, as well as their physical activity over the last year. MET minutes/yr were calculated and categorized as moderate MET min/yr (3–6 METS) and vigorous MET min/yr (> 6 METS). Mean hours of TV watching were 8.2 ± 6.3 hrs/week (Mon-Fri), 5.3 ± 3.9 hrs/weekend. Mean hours of computer use were 4.7 ± 5.3 hrs/week (Mon-Fri), 2.9 ± 2.8 hrs/weekend. Total vigorous MET min/yr was predicted by TV watching during the week (p = 0.005) and during the weekend (p = 0.0002), as well as by time spent on a computer during the week (p = 0.047). TV viewing on the weekend predicted total moderate MET min/yr (p = 0.011). There was a significant difference between whites and non-whites in hours of TV viewed during the week (p = 0.002, Mw =6.6 hrs, Mnon-w = 11.2 hrs) and weekend (p = 0.035, Mw = 2.2 hrs, Mnon-w = 2.8 hrs), as well as in computer use on the weekend (p = 0.025, Mw =2.3 hrs, Mnon-w = 2.8 hrs). No gender or ethnic × gender interactions were found for TV or computer time. The lowest values in total moderate and vigorous MET min/yr were found among non-white, primarily Hispanic males (Pmod = 0.025, Pvig = 0.005). These results suggest that TV watching and computer use is associated with less physical activity, especially during the weekend, and support previous studies on ethnic differences. Supported by Cancer Research Foundation of America.