scholarly journals Associations between television viewing and consumption of commonly advertised foods among New Zealand children and young adolescents

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 606-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Utter ◽  
Robert Scragg ◽  
David Schaaf

AbstractObjectivesTo explore how time spent watching television (TV) is associated with the dietary behaviours of New Zealand children and young adolescents.DesignSecondary data analysis of a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey.SettingIn homes or schools of New Zealand school students.ParticipantsIn total, 3275 children aged 5 to 14 years.ResultsThe odds of being overweight or obese increased with duration of TV viewing for children and adolescents when controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic status and physical activity. Children and adolescents who watched the most TV were significantly more likely to be higher consumers of foods most commonly advertised on TV: soft drinks and fruit drinks, some sweets and snacks, and some fast foods. Both children and adolescents watching two or more hours of TV a day were more than twice as likely to drink soft drinks five times a week or more (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively), eat hamburgers at least once a week (both P = 0.02), and eat French fries at least once a week (both P < 0.01).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that longer duration of TV watching (thus, more frequent exposure to advertising) influences the frequency of consumption of soft drinks, some sweets and snacks, and some fast foods among children and young adolescents. Efforts to curtail the amount of time children spend watching TV may result in better dietary habits and weight control for children and adolescents. Future studies examining the impact of advertising on children's diets through interventions and international comparisons of legislation would provide more definitive evidence of the role of advertising in child and adolescent obesity.

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2728
Author(s):  
Yanhui Li ◽  
Di Gao ◽  
Li Chen ◽  
Tao Ma ◽  
Ying Ma ◽  
...  

To investigate the relationship between breastfeeding duration and lipid profile among children and adolescents, a cross-sectional survey using random cluster sampling was performed, and a national sample of 12,110 Chinese children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were collected. Breastfeeding duration and sociodemographic factors were collected by questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were obtained to test the lipid profile. Linear regression and logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the association between breastfeeding duration and lipid profile. We found that prolonged breastfeeding was related with a low level of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C in children and adolescents. With an increased duration of breastfeeding, the magnitude of the association between breastfeeding and lipid profile enlarged. The levels of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C in participants who were breastfed for more than 12 months decreased by 6.225 (95% CI: −8.390, −4.059), 1.956 (95% CI: −3.709, −0.204), 1.273 (95% CI: −2.106, −0.440) mg/dL, and 0.072 (95%CI: −0.129, −0.015), respectively, compared with those who were not breastfed. The corresponding risk of high TC declined by 43% (aOR: 0.570, 95% CI: 0.403, 0.808). The association was similar in both boys and girls, but only statistically significant in children and young adolescents aged 5–14 years. This suggested that prolonged breastfeeding duration was related with low lipid levels and decreased abnormal lipid risk, especially in children and young adolescents. These findings support the intervention of prompting a prolonged duration of breastfeeding to improve the childhood lipid profile.


2016 ◽  
pp. 917-929
Author(s):  
Ana Pesikan

Media has one of the most important and under-recognized influence on health, development and behavior of children and adolescents. Television is still the most popular form of media among children and adolescents. In the last 50 years, more than a thousand researches have been carried out in the world showing the great impact of television on children and adolescents. Television shapes the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of children and adolescents and strongly influences their perception of reality. The high impact of television is neither recognized by children nor adults; they estimate that the media affect all others except themselves. Television can positively influence a child?s prosocial behavior and acquisition of certain types of knowledge. However, the positive effects have been much less common and usually obtained at a younger age (3-5 years). Most of the studies provide a persistent and robust findings indicating the correlation between exposure to television and a variety of health problems (such as obesity, low physical activity, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) and an increased risk of certain types of behavior (like poor dietary habits, less sleep, smoking, violent behavior, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc.). The research results show that the potentials of television with beneficial effects on children have not been realized; the list of negative effects is much longer and much more diverse; and strategies to reduce the negative effects of television do not apply. The documented findings on the impact of television should elicit serious concern, not just from parents and educators but from many others such as physicians, public health advocates, entertainment industry, politicians, and government.


2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-103 ◽  

Information from eating disorder clinics across five continents suggests that anorexia nervosa is becoming an increasing problem in children and young adolescents. There is some indication that anxiety disorders in childhood may be a major risk factor for the development of anorexia nervosa. Early recognition and family treatment for this disorder are essential to prevent chronic impairment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 218-222
Author(s):  
Gabrielle Ochinegro ◽  
Sydney Doyle ◽  
Tracy Perron ◽  
Evelyn Ehasz ◽  
Mary Grace Chaiko ◽  
...  

The purpose of this review is to discuss the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the mental, physical and social health of children and young people aged 0–18 years, better understand the risk factors for these issues and explore available interventions to promote optimal health in this population globally. The risk factors, including increased screen time, economic instability, pre-existing mental illness and isolation, are explored in relation to their impact on paediatric health and wellbeing. Current mental health trends, including elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide, and gaps in the available literature are discussed. The impact of the pandemic on overall health, nutrition, physical activity, household environments and sleep are also analysed in relation to possible school nurse interventions for children, parents, and communities in developing solutions to improve the health of children and adolescents. As a result of this review, the authors found significant negative correlations between children and adolescents' mental health and COVID-19 restrictions, such as altered social interaction, disturbed sleep, changes in level of exercise, and altered dietary habits.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Segre ◽  
R. Campi ◽  
F. Scarpellini ◽  
A. Clavenna ◽  
M. Zanetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in governments implementing disease containment measures such as school closures, social distancing, and home quarantine. To date, only a few studies have drawn attention to the psychological impact of lockdown on Italian children’s mental health. The present study aimed to investigate the psychological distress (anxiety and mood symptoms) and perceived changes in routine among Italian primary and middle school students during the COVID-19 quarantine. Methods This interview study was performed between the 18th of May and 7th of June 2020: it involved a sample of 82 children and adolescents living in Milan (Italy), attending primary and middle school (aged 6 to 14 years), and their parents. Results Almost 30 % of the subjects reported having struggled to adjust to home learning. 36 responders completely changed their dietary habits during the lockdown: they were not eating the same amount of food and were consuming more junk food. Sleep habits were also affected by the lockdown measures: 28 % of the sample had difficulties sleeping and wished to sleep in their parents’ bed. Concerning psychological distress, 64 (78 %) children and adolescents had anxiety symptoms; 43.9 % of the students reported significant mood symptoms. Conclusions Children are not indifferent to the dramatic impact of the COVID-19 epidemic: our data confirm their difficulties in adapting to the quarantine measures. The effects of stress exposure may not manifest later on during the children’s development, and, for this reason, it would be interesting to follow up on these participants to improve our understanding of how long these outcomes may last.


2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (12) ◽  
pp. 2201-2214 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOANNE M. KINGSBURY ◽  
KIRSTIN THOM ◽  
HAYLEY ERSKINE ◽  
LISA OLSEN ◽  
TANYA SOBOLEVA

ABSTRACT Epidemiological evidence suggests that Salmonella on New Zealand eggs is not an important pathway for human salmonellosis. However, robust nationally representative data for Salmonella contamination of eggs is not available to support this. To better understand the exposure of New Zealand commercial eggs to Salmonella, a cross-sectional survey collected data on prevalence and serotypes of Salmonella in the feed, laying sheds (feces, dust, and boot or manure belt swabs), and packhouses (egg contact surfaces) of New Zealand commercial egg layer farms. Salmonella was not detected on 16 of 28 surveyed farms, and 4 farms had only one positive sample. Of the 43 (13.3%) of 323 Salmonella-positive samples, dust samples had the highest prevalence (19 of 67, 28.4%), followed by boot or manure belt swabs (11 of 67, 16.4%), feces (7 of 67, 10.4%), packhouse egg contact surfaces (5 of 87, 5.7%), and feed (1 of 33, 3.0%). A significantly higher prevalence was from caged (33 of 75, 44.0%; P &lt; 0.001) compared with cage-free (4 of 126, 3.2%) systems, yet multiple practices differ between laying systems, which could influence prevalence. Salmonella-positive packhouse samples were only identified on the three farms with the highest laying shed prevalence, and isolates were genetically related (as determined by single nucleotide polymorphism analyses) suggesting cross-contamination between the laying shed and packhouse surfaces. Serotypes isolated included Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella Thompson, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Anatum, and Salmonella Mbandaka. Importantly, Salmonella Enteritidis, which causes egg-associated outbreaks internationally, was not isolated. Genomic comparisons of isolates supported the presence of a common contamination source in the shed and farm environments rather than multiple sporadic contamination events. This survey establishes a benchmark of Salmonella prevalence and types in the New Zealand egg production environment and provides a reference point for assessing the impact of changes to practices on Salmonella prevalence. HIGHLIGHTS


2015 ◽  
Vol 113 (12) ◽  
pp. 1978-1984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiguo Zhang ◽  
Huijun Wang ◽  
Youfa Wang ◽  
Hong Xue ◽  
Zhihong Wang ◽  
...  

Dietary patterns represent the combined effects of foods, and illustrate efficaciously the impact of diet on health outcomes. Some findings of previous studies have limited applicability to Chinese children due to cultural factors. The presnt study was designed to identify dietary patterns and determine their relationships with obesity among Chinese children and adolescents. Data collected from 1282 children and adolescents aged 7–17 years from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) were used. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis of data from three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Weight and height were measured following standard methods, and BMI was calculated. Three dietary patterns were identified: modern (high intakes of milk, fast foods and eggs), traditional north (high intakes of wheat, tubers and other cereals) and traditional south (high intakes of vegetables, rice and pork). After adjusting for some confounders and total energy intake, subjects in the highest quartiles of the modern and traditional north patterns were found to have significantly greater risk of obesity (OR 3·10, 95 % CI 1·52, 6·32, and OR 2·42, 95 % CI 1·34, 4·39, respectively). In conclusion, the modern dietary pattern and the traditional north dietary pattern were associated with higher risk of obesity. Promoting healthier eating patterns could help prevent obesity in Chinese children.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (17) ◽  

Widespread use of television has brought with it the examination of the effect of exposure to TV content on its viewers. One of the most remarkable approaches put forward in this context is the Cultivation Theory developed by Gerbner (1969). The theory, which focuses on the impact of TV viewing on individuals perceptions of reality, assumes that as the frequency of exposure to messages presented in TV increases, individuals’ perceptions of the real world are shaped according to these messages. The development of gender stereotypes and beliefs in gender equality in children and adolescents may also be fed by the “cultivation” function of TV, which is widely used by them also. The aim of this study is to systematically review the studies focuses on the relationship between frequency of watching TV and children’s or adolescents’ gender-based stereotypes in the context of Cultivation Theory. A total of 23 studies conducted between 1960 and 2020 were reviewed in this context and it was determined that both children and adolescents had more traditional beliefs and attitudes about gender roles with the increase in the frequency of watching TV. Findings were discussed in the light of the relevant literature. Keywords Cultivation Theory, gender roles, watching tv, children, adolescents


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Segre ◽  
Rita Campi ◽  
Francesca Scarpellini ◽  
Antonio Clavenna ◽  
Michele Zanetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in governments implementing disease containment measures such as school closures, social distancing, and home quarantine.To date, only a few studies have drawn attention to the psychological impact of lockdown on Italian children’s mental health. The present study aimed to investigate the psychological distress (anxiety and mood symptoms) and changes in routine among Italian primary and middle school students during the COVID-19 quarantine.Methods: This qualitative interview study was performed between the 18th of May and 7th of June 2020: it involved a sample of 82 children and adolescents living in Milan (Italy), attending primary and middle school (aged 6 to 14 years), and their parents.Results: Almost 30% of the subjects reported having struggled to adjust to home learning. 36 responders completely changed their dietary habits during the lockdown: they were not eating the same amount of food and were consuming more junk food. Sleep habits were also affected by the lockdown measures: 28% of the sample had difficulties sleeping and wished to sleep in their parents’ bed. Concerning psychological distress, 64 (78%) children and adolescents had anxiety symptoms; 43.9% of the students reported significant mood symptoms.Conclusions: Children are not indifferent to the dramatic impact of the COVID-19 epidemic: our data confirm their difficulties in adapting to the quarantine measures. The effects of stress exposure may not manifest later on during the children’s development, and, for this reason, it would be interesting to follow up on these participants to improve our understanding of how long these outcomes may last.


2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 867-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Keller ◽  
Tim Lang

AbstractObjectiveFood-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) are globally promoted as an important part of national food and nutrition policies. They are presented within policy as key features of the strategy to educate the public and guide policy-makers and other stakeholders about a healthy diet. This paper examines the implementation of FBDGs in four countries: Chile, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa – diverse countries chosen to explore the realities of the FBDG within policy on public health nutrition.DesignA literature review was carried out, followed by interviews with representatives from the governmental, academic and private sector in all four countries.ResultsIn all four countries the FBDG is mainly implemented via written/electronic information provided to the public through the health and/or education sector. Data about the impact of FBDGs on policy and consumers’ food choice or dietary habits are incomplete; nutrition surveys do not enable assessment of how effective FBDGs are as a factor in dietary or behavioural change. Despite limitations, FBDGs are seen as being valuable by key stakeholders.ConclusionFBDGs are being implemented and there is experience which should be built upon. The policy focus needs to move beyond merely disseminating FBDGs. They should be part of a wider public health nutrition strategy involving multiple sectors and policy levels. Improvements in the implementation of FBDGs are crucial given the present epidemic of chronic, non-communicable diseases.


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