Factors associated with screen time: a binational study across the Mexico-US migration gradient

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether screen time differs across combined migration-obesity and migration-smoking profiles among Mexican-born non-migrants living in Mexico, Mexican-born immigrants residing in the United States, and U.S.-born individuals of Mexican origin.

Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional comparison using two national databases. Multinomial regression models were used to assess differences in screen time across combined migration-obesity and migration-smoking profiles. The study population was classified into three groups: U.S.-born individuals of Mexican origin, Mexican-born migrants residing in the United States, and Mexican-born non-migrants residing in Mexico.

Results: Migration status was significantly associated with screen time, with significant associations involving smoking and obesity. In adjusted analyses, U.S.-born individuals of Mexican origin who reported tobacco use or obesity had the highest Adjusted Relative Risk Ratio (ARRR) for spending more than 4 hours per day on screen time compared to the reference < 2 hours per day. Mexican immigrants in the U.S. Additionally, Mexican immigrants in the U.S. showed increased risks of obesity and smoking, along with higher screen time (> 4 vs. < 2hours/day), compared to non-migrants residing in Mexico.

Conclusions: This cross-sectional binational study highlights that migrant populations exhibit higher screen time combined with risk factors such as obesity and smoking. This profile reflects a risky pattern for Mexican populations migrating to the U.S., highlighting the need for binational public health strategies that address lifestyle impacts in the migration process.

Keywords: Sedentary behavior; Smoking; Obesity; Migration.