Determinants of electronic media exposure among overweight and obese school students in urban areas of Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Increased media viewing on television, computers, laptops, tablets and mobile phones has been associated with excess body weight and obesity in children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of electronic media exposure upon overweight and obese school students in urban areas of Kathmandu, Nepal. A cross sectional analytical study was carried out in 22 sample schools of Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 440 students were selected by two stage cluster sampling. Students' anthropometry was measured by the researcher and research assistants, and a structured questionnaire was used to assess information regarding various electronic media exposure. The study revealed that the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity among the sample was 14.1 %. A total of 21 variables were analyzed in the final model, using multiple logistic regression, including the respondents' demographics, socio-economics, dietary patterns, physical activity, environmental factors and electronic media exposure. A total of 5 variables related to electronic media exposure showed significant association with being overweight/obesity. These factors were: cybercafe or a video game shop near home (AOR: 4.07, 95 % CI: 2.06-8.04) using a mobile phone on weekdays (AOR: 2.10, 95 % CI: 1.02-4.51) watching TV on weekends (AOR: 2.80, 95 % CI: 1.87-8.02) using mobile phone on weekends (AOR: 5.55, 95 % CI: 1.84-16.75) and their total media exposure on weekdays (AOR: 7.90, 95 % CI: 1.72-36.19). The study provides sufficient evidence to support the association between electronic media exposure and being overweight or obese. Hence, it is important that the Nepalese government and stakeholders implement plans and policies to reduce excess body weight and obesity among children associated with excessive electronic media exposure.