Mothers' perceived proximity to green space is associated with TV viewing time in children: the Growing Up in Scotland study

Objective. The aim of this study is to investigate whether mothers' perception of distance from home to green/ open spaces is associated with their child's screen time. Method. We used mother-reported data from sweep six (2010–2011) of the Growing Up in Scotland study (n = 3586 children aged 5.9 yrs) to examine associations between walking distance from home to green/open space and screen time (TV viewing time/computer use). Analyses were adjusted for age, sex and other prespecified covariates, including sport/exercise participation, mental and general health, birth weight, parental socio-economic group (SEG) and smoking status. Results. Children living the furthest distance from green/open spaces (N20 minutes' walking distance) displayed over 2 h (95% CI, 0.65 to 3.51) more weekly TV time than the reference category (b5 minutes' walking distance). Compared to children in the reference category, those in the N20 minute category had worse mental health (mean SDQ [Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire] score ± SD, 7.0 ± 4.6 vs. 8.7 ± 6.2) and general health (% fair–poor, 4.6 vs. 8.6), and were more likely to come from lower SEG households. Conclusion. Mothers' perceived distance from home to green/open spaces was associated with child's TV time at age 5.9 years.