Examining Predictors of Watching Television During Family Meals in a Diverse Sample.

To identify predictors associated with television (TV) watching during family meals.Parents of racially and ethnically diverse 5- to 7-year-old children (n = 150) completed 8 days of ecological momentary assessment surveys. After each meal they shared with their child, parents answered meal-related questions (eg, who was present). Adjusted generalized estimating equations were used to estimate probabilities of watching TV during family meals for individual predictors.Number of adults present, location, outside influences (eg, planned meal, stress), and time to prepare the meal were independently predictive of TV watching during the meal (P < .001).Results of the current study suggest that families may need assistance in addressing predictors (eg, stress) associated with watching TV during family meals, given prior research has shown watching TV during family meals is associated with negative dietary outcomes. Future research might investigate other factors that may also influence watching TV at family meals.