The Effect of Screen Time on Growth, Development, Behavior, and Sleep in Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of screen time and its impact on growth, development, behavior, and sleep in children less than five years old.

Methods: Children between six months to five years, attending the outpatient department of our hospital, were included consecutively. Screen exposure details were collected in a predesigned validated semi-structured questionnaire. Development was screened by the ages and stages-3 questionnaire. Growth was assessed as per World Health Organization guidelines. Data were analyzed using STATA version 12. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to ascertain the association between screen time and growth, development, behavior, and sleep, after adjusting for confounders.

Results: There were 437 participants. The prevalence of excess screen time was 61.5% and 72.8% in children aged 6-23 months and 24-60 months respectively. Excess screen time did not significantly impact growth and development. The odds of having temper tantrums - adjusted odds ratio = 10.61 (2.57-43.80), p = 0.001 - and breath-holding spells - adjusted odds ratio = 61.39 (3.28-1151.09), p = 0.001) were significantly more in children aged 6-23 months with excess screen time, while children aged 2-5 years of age with excess screen time, had a significantly higher occurrence of nightmares - adjusted odds ratio = 5.26 (1.12-72.70), p = 0.04) and delayed bed time (beyond 10:00 PM) - adjusted odds ratio = 4.42 (1.46-13.36), p = 0.008).

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of excess screen time in preschoolers. Increased screen time did not significantly affect growth and development. There was a higher occurrence of temper tantrums, breath-holding spells, nightmares, and a bedtime beyond 10:00 PM in children with excess screen time.