Nursing & Primary Care
Open AccessScreen Time in Children Aged One to Eight Years: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Karen Gabriela Teixeira De Queiroz , Patrícia Angélica Martins Cânfora, Rodrigo Gonçalves Costa, Brisa Emanuelle Silva Ferreira, Luiza Mayer Faria, Mara Martins Ribeiro, Luciana Alves Silveira Monteiro, Isabela Mie Takeshita, Claudirene Milagres Araújo, Marina Souza, Tracy Perron.
Abstract
Screen time, defined as the period of using electronic media, influences child development. Conscious use is beneficial, but excessive use negatively impacts physical and mental health. The study aims to identify the epidemiological profile of electronic media usage and analyze its effects on children aged one to eight years who were seen at an outpatient clinic in Belo Horizonte, MG, and Brazil. This cross-sectional, descriptive, prospective epidemiological study used probabilistic sampling, including parents/guardians of children attending a pediatric clinic at a private university in Belo Horizonte, MG. The results of the sample showed that screen time exceeded recommendations across all age groups, with early initiation of media use. Television, cell phones, and tablets were the most commonly used devices. Excessive screen time may lead to irritability, boredom, crying, and sleep disturbances. Given the widespread use of screens today, this study enhances our understanding of children's screen use patterns and informs the development of strategies to support their healthy development.
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