Title:

Non-Academic Screen Time and Accuracy of Perceived Weight Status in Undergraduate Young Adults

Background: Previous research has investigated the negative psychological and physical impacts of non-academic screen time (NAST). More research is needed to understand the relationship between NAST and perceived weight status (PWS) accuracy among young adults. Statement of objective: To explore the relationship between PWS and NAST among undergraduate young adults. Study design, settings, participants: Data were collected between 2020-2023 from a cross-sectional study of undergraduates (18-24 years old) at a northeastern university. Analyses were conducted with self-reported NAST and PWS data and measured anthropometrics. Measurable outcome/analysis: Self-reported PWS and NAST were obtained from survey data. BMI (kg/m2) was calculated using measured height and weight. PWS was compared to measured BMI; participants were then classified as under-perceivers (UP), over-perceivers (OP), or accurate-perceivers (AP) based on perception accuracy. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed differences in NAST among PWS groups, stratified by males and females. Results summary: The final sample (n=1250) identified as mostly female (56%), white (94%) and as non-allied health or nutrition majors (75%); the mean age was 19.1±1.1 years. Most (66.8%) had a normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), and 61.7% reported their weight as “about the right weight”. Participants had an overall mean NAST of 5.3±1.7 hr/day. Males had a higher mean NAST vs. females (5.9±1.9 vs. 4.9±1.5 hr/day, p<.001). Males were more likely than females to be categorized as UPs (40.5% vs. 12.9%); females were more likely than males to be OPs (15.3% vs 5.6%), both p<.001. Among males, UPs reported higher NAST vs. OPs and APs (5.8±1.8 vs. 5.2±1.8 and 5.1±1.6 hours, respectively, p<.001); however, no significant group differences were seen between females (p>.05). Conclusions: Results suggest a relationship between NAST and PWS accuracy, particularly among college men. Findings may help to inform health initiatives aiming to improve physical and mental health and reduce NAST among young adults. Funding: Funded by New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project 1010738, and the state of New Hampshire.

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