ARS | Publication request: Parental outcome expectations on children's TV viewing

Submitted to: Pediatric Academic Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 11, 2011
Publication Date: April 1, 2011
Citation: Del Rio-Rodriguez, B., Hilmers, A., O'Connor, T. 2011. Parental outcome expectations on children's TV viewing [abstract]. In: Program Guide of the Pediatric Academic Societies and Asian Society for Pediatric Research 2011 Joint Meeting, April 30-May 3, 2011, Denver, Colorado. p. 220.

Technical Abstract: Children's TV viewing has been associated with increased sedentary behavior and poor eating habits. Positive intervention effects have been observed when addressing outcome expectations as a mediator in interventions targeting children's dietary behavior. Little is known about parental outcome expectations for children's TV viewing as a potential mediator to reduce TV viewing and promote healthy behaviors among children. Our objective was to explore outcome expectations among parents of overweight or obese children regarding children's TV viewing habits. This is a qualitative study with a grounded theory approach using structured interviews. Eligible participants were parents with a 5-8 year old overweight or obese child attending community pediatric clinics in a large urban city. Parents were interviewed by phone in Spanish or English. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, and transcribed. Transcriptions were double coded and analyzed using NVIVO 8. One hundred and twenty one parents were screened for participation, 29 were eligible and 20 (69%) completed the interview process. Ninety percent of the participants were Hispanic; 65% spoke Spanish; and 60% had completed at least high school, had an overweight girl or a household low income of $20,000 or less. Intercoder reliability had a mean kappa of 0.94 (SD 0.234). Major themes that emerged about why children watch TV were entertainment and perceived child behavior (e.g. boredom, habit, or laziness). Most parents see TV as an entertainment tool to keep children occupied while they do other activities. Reasons mentioned to limit TV were detrimental health effects (affects their vision), promotes sedentary behavior and TV content. Overall, outcomes expectations for limiting TV were more positive than negative, and both emerged as important. By limiting TV, parents expect to engage children in other activities and increase their level of physical activity. The parents of boys were more likely to give unsafe neighborhood environment as a reason to allow TV viewing. Also, they had a greater perceived efficacy in limiting TV than the parents of girls. Parents of girls or with higher income were more likely to limit TV due to content. Addressing parent's positive and negative outcomes expectations when developing interventions targeting children's TV viewing could result in decreased TV viewing and possibly enhance other healthy behaviors.