Investigation in Relationship between TV Viewing Rate and Its Influence on Children fromParentsʹ Viewpoints with Food Intake and BMI in Children Aged 2-6 yrs in Tehran

Background: Considerable attention is currently being paid to childhood nutrition. Mass media, particularly TV, is believed to largely contribute to eating habits and BMI. This study was carried out to identify the link between tendency towards TV viewing and its influence on children with food intake and BMI in pre-school kids.Methodology: The survey was conducted using a cross-sectional and longitudinal design, in which 114 children aged 2-6 yrs from 11 selected nursery schools in Tehran were used. Regarding data collection related to TV viewing rate and influence rate of TV viewing from parentsʹ viewpoint, a questionnaire was used, which had been already approved in terms of validation and reliability. To collect data about childrenʹs diets intake, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was applied. Height and weights of children were measured using a measuring tape and a digital weight scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical tests by SPSS software.Findings: It turned out that consumption rate of some food groups including meats & alternatives (p=0.008), sugars (p=0.013) and snacks & desserts (p=0.011) were higher in children who spend more time watching TV. In addition, Intake of cereals and breads appeared to be higher in children with strong desire for TV food ads (p=0.019). It was also revealed that influence rate of TV viewing and fats intake were positively correlated (p=0.017), which is confirmed by previous studiesConclusion: It can be concluded that TV viewing rate is positively linked with BMI and consumption of low nutritional-value foods.