Prevalence and Predictors of Screen Time Exposure in Young Children: A Descriptive, Facility Based Study

Background: Excessive screen time exposure amongst children has become a global concern due to its detrimental effects on health and development. Understanding the prevalence and associated risk factors is crucial for designing effective interventions. This study aimed to estimate screen exposure ti...

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Main Authors: Ashutosh Paldiwal, Pritam Kabra, Umesh Kawalkar, Amar Prakash Mankar, Mahesh Puri, Aditi Rathod
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2024-07-01
Series:Preventive Medicine: Research & Reviews
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/PMRR.PMRR_35_24
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author Ashutosh Paldiwal
Pritam Kabra
Umesh Kawalkar
Amar Prakash Mankar
Mahesh Puri
Aditi Rathod
author_facet Ashutosh Paldiwal
Pritam Kabra
Umesh Kawalkar
Amar Prakash Mankar
Mahesh Puri
Aditi Rathod
author_sort Ashutosh Paldiwal
collection DOAJ
description Background: Excessive screen time exposure amongst children has become a global concern due to its detrimental effects on health and development. Understanding the prevalence and associated risk factors is crucial for designing effective interventions. This study aimed to estimate screen exposure time and identify associated risk factors amongst children aged 6 months–6 years in Akola district, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive facility based study was conducted in Akola district, utilising data collected from two outpatient departments. Data were collected through interviews with mothers using a pre-designed questionnaire. Sociodemographic factors and screen time habits were assessed. Statistical analyses, including multivariate regression, were performed to identify significant predictors of screen exposure time. Results: Of the 417 children included in the study, 53.7% had excess screen exposure, with an average screen time of 1.6 h. Infants under 1 year had notably high exposure rates (95.1%). Maternal and paternal education, maternal occupation and child’s behaviour (throwing tantrums) were significantly associated with screen exposure time. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for public health interventions to address excessive screen time amongst young children in Akola district of India. Efforts should focus on raising parental awareness, promoting healthier screen time practices and encouraging outdoor activities. Further research is recommended to assess the impact of interventions and the evolving screen time patterns, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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spelling doaj-art-83f7b430f4f94d46a6da2893b6ca7d3a2025-07-02T15:26:50ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsPreventive Medicine: Research & Reviews2950-58282950-58362024-07-011417918310.4103/PMRR.PMRR_35_24Prevalence and Predictors of Screen Time Exposure in Young Children: A Descriptive, Facility Based StudyAshutosh PaldiwalPritam KabraUmesh KawalkarAmar Prakash MankarMahesh PuriAditi RathodBackground: Excessive screen time exposure amongst children has become a global concern due to its detrimental effects on health and development. Understanding the prevalence and associated risk factors is crucial for designing effective interventions. This study aimed to estimate screen exposure time and identify associated risk factors amongst children aged 6 months–6 years in Akola district, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive facility based study was conducted in Akola district, utilising data collected from two outpatient departments. Data were collected through interviews with mothers using a pre-designed questionnaire. Sociodemographic factors and screen time habits were assessed. Statistical analyses, including multivariate regression, were performed to identify significant predictors of screen exposure time. Results: Of the 417 children included in the study, 53.7% had excess screen exposure, with an average screen time of 1.6 h. Infants under 1 year had notably high exposure rates (95.1%). Maternal and paternal education, maternal occupation and child’s behaviour (throwing tantrums) were significantly associated with screen exposure time. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for public health interventions to address excessive screen time amongst young children in Akola district of India. Efforts should focus on raising parental awareness, promoting healthier screen time practices and encouraging outdoor activities. Further research is recommended to assess the impact of interventions and the evolving screen time patterns, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/PMRR.PMRR_35_24childrenhealth effectsscreen timesedentary behaviour
spellingShingle Ashutosh Paldiwal
Pritam Kabra
Umesh Kawalkar
Amar Prakash Mankar
Mahesh Puri
Aditi Rathod
Prevalence and Predictors of Screen Time Exposure in Young Children: A Descriptive, Facility Based Study
Preventive Medicine: Research & Reviews
children
health effects
screen time
sedentary behaviour
title Prevalence and Predictors of Screen Time Exposure in Young Children: A Descriptive, Facility Based Study
title_full Prevalence and Predictors of Screen Time Exposure in Young Children: A Descriptive, Facility Based Study
title_fullStr Prevalence and Predictors of Screen Time Exposure in Young Children: A Descriptive, Facility Based Study
title_full_unstemmed Prevalence and Predictors of Screen Time Exposure in Young Children: A Descriptive, Facility Based Study
title_short Prevalence and Predictors of Screen Time Exposure in Young Children: A Descriptive, Facility Based Study
title_sort prevalence and predictors of screen time exposure in young children a descriptive facility based study
topic children
health effects
screen time
sedentary behaviour
url https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/PMRR.PMRR_35_24
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