Influence of amount time watching television on obesity and associated factors among preschool children in Taiwan: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: Sedentary behavior may be a risk factor for obesity. This study evaluated the association between the amount of time watching television and obesity among preschool children in Taiwan. Methods: We used systematic random sampling and questionnaires to survey preschool children 2-6 years of age among 54 preschools in Taiwan. The information elicited by the questionnaires included socioeconomic characteristics, height, weight, and lifestyle. We used multivariate logistic regressions to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of obesity associated with the amount of time television was watched. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 12.6% and the average of amount of time television was watched was 92.7 min among 3,492 children. Obesity and age of preschool children, parents' level of education, pre-dinner snacking, duration of sleep, watching television during breakfast, amount of play time, and amount of time spent on outdoor physical activities were factors associated with excessive television viewing amongst preschool children. Compared with children who watched television for ≤ 60 min, children who watched television > 120 min were at a higher risk for obesity (OR=1.90; 95% CI=1.28-2.82). Moreover, when preschool children increased the amount of time television was watched by 30 min, the risk of obesity was increased (OR=1.10; 95% 0=1.06-1.15). Conclusions: The amount of time television was watched was associated with obesity among preschool children 2-6 years of age in Taiwan.