Television viewing and its association with health-related quality of life in school-age children from Montería, Colombia

Physical inactivity and high levels of screen time may negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) levels in children and adults. Objective: To analyze the associations between HRQoL and television (TV) viewing time adjusting for physical activity and weight status among school-age children. Methods: The study was conducted in Monteria, Colombia, with 546 students aged 11-18 years, from 14 randomly selected schools. HRQoL data was collected using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Students completed a self-reported questionnaire including items describing TV viewing time and physical activity. Associations between HRQoL and TV viewing time were explored using logistic regression models. Results: Adjusted odds ratios (OR) showed that high TV viewing time (>2 hours/day) is significantly associated with low HRQoL [OR: 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-2.2; p=0.048], low psychosocial health (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2-2.5; p=0.005), low emotional functioning (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4-2.6; p=0.001), low social functioning (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0-1.9; p=0.046), and low school functioning (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-2.2; p=0.025). Conclusion: This study provides evidence of significant associations between high TV viewing time and poor HRQoL among school-age children from Monteria, Colombia, which were independent of physical activity and weight.