Digital screen exposure and sleep disturbances among 3- 13 year old children in India: A hospital based cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction
Early childhood is a crucial period that sets the foundation for lifelong health and well-being. With the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, computers, and interactive learning devices, today’s children are exposed to digital media at a much earlier age and for extended periods of time. Screen usage by children have huge impact on health-related issues, particularly on sleep pattern, which in turn has many adverse emotional, cognition related consequences.
Methodology:
This hospital based cross sectional study was conducted in Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), Bilaspur (C.G.) India, among children of age group from 3 to 13 years. Which included 200 sample size with objective to assess screen time and effect on sleep pattern. Pre-designed, pretested, semi-structured questionnaire were administered to parents/caretaker, and face-to-face interview was conducted. Sleep disturbance scale was used to assess sleep disorder. Data was analysed; Chi-square test applied with a significance level of p <0.05.
Result:
This study included 54% boys and 46% girls. The mean screen time of study subjects was 121.55 minutes (~ 2 hrs) and prevalence of sleep disorder was found to be 32%. When comparing screen time and sleep disturbance, having higher mean screen time (145.31 ± 75.73) was significantly associated with sleep disturbance (p = 0.002).
Conclusion
The results underscore a concerning link between excessive screen time and sleep related issues, necessitating awareness and proactive measures to address screen usage and its effects on children's health and well-being.