RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCREEN TIME AND BODY MASS INDEX AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN A SELECTED INSTITUTE OF PUNJAB

Abstract

Background: Time spent on various digital screens is a sedentary behavior which may be a risk
factor for several health problems, including obesity and its co-morbidities.
Aim of the Study: Aim of study is to assess the relationship between screen time and body mass
index among nursing students in a selected institute of Punjab.
Materials and Methods: A quantitative research approach and descriptive correlational research
design was used to conduct the study. Total 60 nursing students were selected using stratified
sampling technique from a nursing institute of Punjab. A structured questionnaire was used to
collect the data regarding socio-demographic and life style factors, digital screen use and screen
time. Anthropometric measurement of height and weight were done to assess the body mass
index. Data analysis was done with descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Of the 60 nursing students, 21(35%) were of GNM course, 32(53.3%) of B.Sc. Nursing,
6(10%) of Post basic B.Sc. Nursing and 1(1.67%) from M.Sc. Nursing. Mean±SD of screen time
per day was 4 hrs 39min±2 hrs. 24 (40%) of the students had average daily screen time of 3-5 hrs
followed by 22(36.7%) having 5hrs or more, and 14(23.3%) having less than3 hrs. Smartphone
was the only device being used by all the students. Mean±SD of BMI was 21.23±5.13. 27(45%)
of the students had normal BMI, 20(33.3%) were underweight, 8(13.3%) overweight, and
5(8.3%) were obese. Correlation between screen time & BMI was moderately positive (0.587)
which was statistically significant (<0.01).
Conclusion: Significant correlation was found between screen time and BMI in this study