Stability of television viewing and electronic game/computer use in a prospective cohort study of Australian children: relationship with body mass index

Abstract

BACKGROUND: While much cross-sectional data is available, there have been few longitudinal investigations of patterns of electronic media use in children. Further, the possibility of a bi-directional relationship between electronic media use and body mass index in children has not been considered. This study aimed to describe longitudinal patterns of television viewing and electronic game/computer use, and investigate relationships with body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in elementary schools in Victoria, Australia. 1278 children aged 5-10 years at baseline and 8-13 years at follow-up had their BMI calculated, from measured height and weight, and tran..