Meta-analysis of interventions to reduce screen time in children

January 01, 0001

Meta-analysis of interventions to reduce screen time in children

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was undertaken by Canadian authors to evaluate the impact of interventions focused on reducing screen time in children. The primary outcome was body mass index (BMI); the secondary outcome was screen time (hours per week).

They found: "A total of 1120 citations were screened, and 13 studies were included in the systematic review. Study samples ranged in age (3.9-11.7 years) and size (21-1295 participants). Interventions ranged in length (1-24 months) and recruitment location (5 in schools, 2 in medical clinics, 1 in a community center, and 5 from the community). For the primary outcome, the meta- analysis included 6 studies, and the difference in mean change in BMI in the intervention group compared with the control group was -0.10 (NS). The secondary outcome included 9 studies, and the difference in mean change from baseline in the intervention group compared with the control group was -0.90 h/wk (NS). A subgroup analysis of preschool children showed a difference in mean change in screen time of -3.72 h/wk (statistically significant)."

The authors concluded: "Our systematic review and meta-analysis did not demonstrate evidence of effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing screen time in children for reducing BMI and screen time. However, interventions in the preschool age group hold promise."

It’s back to the drawing board on this topic.


For the full abstract, click here.

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 165(11):979-986, November 2011 © 2011 to the American Medical Association
Effectiveness of Interventions Aimed at Reducing Screen Time in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Gita Wahi, Patricia C. Parkin, Joseph Beyene, et al. Correspondence to Catherine Birken: catherine.birken@sickkids.ca

Category: T. Endocrine/Metabolic/Nutritional. Keywords: children, screen time, body mass index, BMI, meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Linda French, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 22 November 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

COVID-19 Resources

WONCA webinars, journal links and more

WONCA position statements

WONCA statements on a variety of issues

PEARLS

577 Individual behavioural counselling helps people to quit smoking 575 Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements may be beneficial in age-related macular degeneration 574 Oral antifungals effective for toenail onychomycosis 570 Decision aids beneficial for people facing health treatment or screening decisions 569 Computer-generated reminders on paper benefit quality of care