Does Obesity Modify The Relationship Between FNPA And Screen Time?

PURPOSE: To examine if there is an association between the home environment (assessed via the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) survey) and ST and if obesity influences this relationship, in an underserved population. METHODS: Children were recruited from nine elementary schools in Flint, MI. Height (cm) and weight (kg) were collected, and body mass index (BMI) percentile was computed. Parents completed the FNPA questionnaire, gauging obesogenic environments. Additionally, questions were administered to evaluate participants’ weekly and weekend ST, combining video games, computer, and television. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationships among BMI, ST, and FNPA scores. Simple linear regression was conducted to determine if ST was associated with FNPA by weight status. RESULTS: Participants included 176 children in 4th to 6th grade (mean age: 10.24 ± 1.04 years, height: 146.48 ± 9.60 cm, weight: 47.51 ± 18.73 kg). Weak, negative correlations emerged between BMI (r=-0.269, p<0.001), weekday screen time (r=-0.161, p=.016) weekend screen time (r=-.245, p<.001) and FNPA scores. Weekend ST in individuals with a status at or above the 85th percentile was associated with FNPA score (r2= 0.052, F (1,75) =4.09, p=.047). CONCLUSIONS: A weak but significant relationship was found between screen time and FNPA scores. These results suggest that with higher ST, there are lower FNPA scores, with obesity serving as a weak modifier of this relationship for weekend ST specifically. This is similar to previous literature that suggests potential links between ST and food intake, as well as ST and reduced physical activity. Future research should assess other forms of ST that are common in current youth populations and include individuals from underserved populations.