Relationship Between Screen Time And Body Mass Index In Children Aged 2-5 Years: A Correlational Study

Abstract

Background: Increased screen time in young children (ages 2-5) has been associated with adverse health effects, including a higher Body Mass Index (BMI). This study explores the connection between screen time and BMI in preschool-aged children, aiming to better understand how excessive screen use may contribute to childhood obesity.

Study Design: A Correlational study.

Aim: To identify the relationship between screen time and BMI in children aged 2-5 years.

Objectives of the Study:

• Measure the average daily screen time of children aged 2-5 years, including time spent on television, tablets, smartphones, and other devices.


• Calculate the BMI of these children using standardized methods and categorize them based on age and sex-specific BMI percentiles (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese).

Participants: 384 children aged 2-5 years. Participants were included as per inclusion and exclusion criteria after taking Informed consent from parents.

Methods: Data were collected from 384 children, recording their screen time (using the DSEQ) and BMI percentiles. Spearman’s rho correlation was used to analyze the relationship between screen time and BMI.

Result: A positive correlation coefficient of 0.415 was found, with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.001. This moderate positive correlation suggests that increased screen time is associated with higher BMI percentiles in children.

Conclusion: The positive correlation indicates that children who spend more time on screens are more likely to have higher BMI percentiles, highlighting the potential impact of screen time on childhood obesity.