TIME USE PATTERNS IN CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the daily time use patterns of children with and without childhood overweight and obesity. Methods: Participants from schools in the Udupi district within the age group of 8–15 years were recruited. These children’s body mass index was measured to categorize them into obese and non-obese group. Information about activity participation was then collected from parent and their children using a week-long 24 hr time diary. Data pertaining to time spent on play participation (active) and other daily activities were extracted from the log diaries to gain an understanding of the activity participation for children with and without obesity. Result: The results indicate that, for play activities, miscellaneous activities and sleep, a statistically significant mean difference existed for the time spent in each activity between the two groups with the non-obese group having higher values in each. However, participants in the obese group have higher value regarding the time spent in sedentary behaviours. Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that time use patterns in children with and without childhood obesity differs.