Correlation between screen time, eating habits and academic performance in pediatric population of NCR region

Background: Young children are increasingly exposed to multiple electronic devices, thus preventing them from focusing on physical activities and academic performance. The aim of this study was to assess the association between excessive screen-time with eating behaviour, weight status (body mass index) and academic performance of paediatric age group. Methods: Pre validated questionnaire-based study was done in school going children in the NCR region. Questionnaire used are Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ), Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and assessment of Academic Performance through Likert scale. Body mass index was calculated. The screen-time guidelines as published by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP). Results: During a normal weekday, 383 (73.8%) participants used screens, out of which 229 (44.1%) used screen while having meal. 90 (77.5%) participants out of total overweight participants (116) had screen time of more than 2 hours, whereas only 2 (1.7%) participants who were overweight did not used screen. 184 (36.1%) children with screen time of more than 2 hours achieved average grade of 76.6%, while those who did not use screen achieved an average grade of 91.5%. Conclusions: Study concludes that increase in screen time has a detrimental effect on child’s overall health and academic performance.