Correlates of Television Viewing Among African American and Caucasian Women

This study explores the associations between time spent watching television and physical activity, selected eating behaviors, and quality of life variables among 189 African American and Caucasian women aged 18–60 years. Data were collected via a cross-sectional, random-digit-dialed telephone survey. Seventy-two percent and 46% of women reported to “always, often, or sometimes” eating or overeating while watching television, respectively. Significant associations with television time per week included: eating meals or snacks while watching television, number of days per month feeling depressed, number of days per month feeling anxious, self-rated health, and BMI. Results contribute to recent studies finding associations between television viewing, body mass index, and health; and suggest potential points for intervention.