Video game consumption habits according to weight status and diet quality in primary schoolchildren

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. To analyse video game consumption habits according to weight status and diet quality in schoolchildren. METHOD. Cross-sectional descriptive study on a sample of 332 Spanish schoolchildren (M ± SD; 11.21 ± 1.42 years). Two questionnaires were used: Questionnaire on video game consumption habits and the KIDMED questionnaire to assess diet quality. Weight status was assessed using the Body Mass Index (kg/m2) adjusted for sex and age. RESULTS. The simple analysis of variance showed significant differences in all dimensions of the habitual video game consumption questionnaire in favour of males (p < .001, for all) and those in overweight. (p < .001, for all) and those in overweight (p < .001, for all). Considering diet quality and, this in interaction with weight status, significant differences were found in the factors of interference of video games with other activities (p < .05) and index of habitual consumption of video games (p < .05) in favour of those with improved diet quality and, this in interaction with the variable weight overload-improved diet quality, respectively. This relationship was maintained after multinomial logistic regression test where being overweight and having an improved diet quality is associated with a higher likelihood of consuming video games and having video game interference with other activities than their normal weight/optimal CD peers (R2 = .199). DISCUSSION. Weight status and diet quality appear to be predictors of video game consumption in the sample studied, especially in males. More research is needed on those factors related to high screen consumption in order to carry out actions that have an impact on the health of schoolchildren.