Gonçalves, MargaridaMartins, Maria de FátimaGaspar, MartaSousa, BrunoPêgo, CíntiaRossoni, CarinaRito, Ana2026-02-022026-02-022025-05-08http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/10794"Autor - acesso livre”Introduction: The prevalence of childhood overweight has been increasing in Portugal. This may be linked to poor dietary habits, sedentary behavior, and excessive screen time, key modifiable risk factors for childhood overweight. Aims: This study evaluated the relationship between dietary habits, screen time and the prevalence of overweight in children participating in Escola Missão Continente study (EMC) on the impact of a school-based nutrition education program for first to fourth-grade children (2021- 2025). Methodology: This cross-sectional study used data from EMC’s first year (2021-22). Children's weight and height were collected and classified as having overweight or not having overweight using WHO Growth Charts (5–19 years). Children´s dietary habits and screen time was assessed through a family questionnaire and food frequency responses were categorized as “healthy” or “less healthy.” “Less healthy” behaviors included not eating fresh fruit or vegetables daily and consuming ultra-processed foods (e.g., salty snacks) more than three days per week. Screen time was classified as “<2h/day” or “≥2h/day.” Results: The sample included 521 children (6-7 years old), with a 27.8% overweight prevalence. Chi-Square and Fisher tests (p<0.05) showed that children with ≥2h/day screen time had less healthy behavior regarding the consumption of salty snacks (7.3%) compared to those who spend less time on screens (2.4%, p=0.023). Additionally, children who spend more time on screens tend to have less healthy behavior regarding vegetable consumption (50.0%, p=0.010). Children with overweight showed a lower consumption of healthy fresh fruit (24.5% vs. 75.5%) and vegetable (23.1% vs. 76.9%) (p=0.002). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between screen time, dietary habits, and overweight in primary school children. Increased screen time may relate to poorer dietary habits, while a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may lower overweight risk. These findings support future research and school-based nutrition interventions.engEstilos de Vida e Impacto na SaúdeDietary HabitsScreen TimeChildrenPortugalconference object