Electronic media device usage and screen time among children in a tertiary care hospital in Western Uttar Pradesh, India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Increased use of electronic media devices has become a significant health problem in the paediatric population worldwide. Excessive use of these devices in children is associated with several health-related hazards. Objectives: To describe the media device usage, screen time, and factors associated with their uses among children in a tertiary care hospital in Western Uttar Pradesh, India. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Paediatrics of a tertiary care hospital, in Moradabad, Western Uttar Pradesh, India. All children aged 6 months to 8 years were recruited. A questionnaire in English that was converted into Hindi was used to collect data. Exposure to electronic device usage, average time spent on each device, and factors associated with device usage were analysed. Results: Exposure to audio-visual media devices among 6 months to 8-year-old children was 92.5%; 27 (7.5%) children had no screen exposure; 62.5% had a daily screen time more than two hours, whereas 57 (17.4%) had screen time less than 1 hour. Children from nuclear families (67.3%) and those born with first order of birth were found to be more media-indulgent. Most popular audio-visual media device was the smartphone, which was used by 162 (45.6%) children, followed by television (22.8%), laptop (19.7%), tablet (11.3%), and desktop (8.4%). There was a significant correlation (p<0.05) between screen time and different age groups, as well as between age group and types of shows watched. Screen time of more than one hour per day was independently associated with male gender and children living in urban areas. Conclusions: Majority of children were exposed to daily screen time that exceeds recommended limits as per AAP and Indian guidelines. Smartphones were the most commonly used audio-visual media devices. Screen time of more than one hour per day was independently associated with male gender and children living in urban areas.