Television viewing and abdominal obesity in women according to smoking status: Results from a large crosssectional population-based study in Brazil

Abstract

complex probabilistic sample and national representativeness, were analyzed. AO, defined as waist circumference = 80.0 cm, was the outcome. Television viewing frequency (= 5 times/week, 1-4 times/week, <1> time/week) was the main exposure variable, and smoking status (yes or no) the main covariable.Prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression models separately for smokers and non-smokers. Results: A statistically significant interaction term was observed between smoking status and television viewing (p < 0.05>). Prevalence of AO among smokers who reported television viewing = 5 times/week amounted to 59.0%, higher than the 35.0% for those with <1> time/week television viewing (p-value = 0.020). The values for non-smokers were 55.2% and 55.7%, respectively. Smokers with television viewing = 5 times/week were 1.7times (95% CI: 1.1-2.5) more likely to present AO, compared to those who reported a frequency <1> time/week. There was no significant association among non-smokers.Conclusions: Television viewing = 5 times/week may increase the prevalence of AO among women who smoke. More detailed information on media use, as hours per day,may offer better estimates.