In this study, three nonconsecutive 24-hour dietary interviews that included 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day were conducted and the children were the primary respondents. Two sample groups were third-grade children participating in a school-based randomized clinical trial on reducing television viewing and fifth-grade children drawn from a school-based clinical trial to reduce obesity. The children were asked about the types of activities they participated in while eating. The activities included watching television, watching a videotape, playing on a computer, doing homework, or riding in a vehicle.
First, were collected data from 2 samples. Children from two different samples. Sample 1: Third graders from 12 ethnically diverse elementary schools in Northern California. (N=90) Parents consented for child's participation. Controls (N=27) selected from the same third grade sample. Sample 2: Fifth grade students, mostly Latino, from 8 low-income elementary schools in San Jose, CA. Mothers consented to child's participation. (N=124). Second, Three nonconsecutive 24-h dietary recalls were collected from each child. For each eating episode reported, children were asked whether they had been watching television. Height and weight were measured by using standard methods and were used to calculate BMI. Finally, comparing the amounts and types of foods that children consume while watching television and when the television is off.