Habits related to television, computer games and eating among school children in a rural and an urban area of Thailand

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to investigate 10-14 year old Thai School children’s habits related to television, computer games and eating, and to make comparisons regarding these issues between genders as well as between a rural and an urban area of Thailand. A descriptive comparative, cross-sectional study with a quantitative method was used. Data were collected at two schools, one in Bangkok and another in Ayuttahaya, Thailand. A purposive sample consisting of 441 participants was included in the study, from grade 5, 6 and 7. The chosen theoretical framework was Virginia Henderson´s nursing theory. The result showed that most children watch television 1-4 hours/day and play computer games 30min-1hour/day. Significant differences between the genders or areas regarding television viewing were not found. Habits of playing computer games were similar in the urban and rural area, although boys played more computer games than girls. The children in the urban and rural area ate quite healthy food regarding intake of fruits and vegetables. However fast food and snacks while watching television and playing computer games were more common among children in urban area than rural area. A different between genders was also found, showing that girls eat more than boys, both healthy alternatives and more unhealthy while watching TV and playing computer games.  Limitation and reduction of television watching and playing computer games are needed for the children and also motivation to more physical activity as well as healthier food choices.