Association of screen time with emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To understand the emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children in Ezhou city, and to analyze its association with screen time,to provide a reference for making preventive measures.@*Methods@#1 720 children were selected from 9 kindergartens in Ezhou by cluster sampling method. Questionnaires were completed by the children’s parents or primary caregivers.@*Results@#High total difficulty score accounted for 9.8%(169/1 720) of all participants,the abnormal proportion of peer communication problems is the highest. The average screen time was (1.95±1.88) hours, among them 2.6% spent more than 2 hours. The average screen time on weekends was (2.84±2.58) hours, among them 19.1% spent more than 2 hours. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that weekday, weekend and total screen times was associated with children’s total difficulty score, emotional problems, conduct problems, peer interaction and hyperactivity(P<0.05). Furthermore, with the duration of screen time increased, the susceptibility of emotional and behavioral problems in these four dimensions increased.@*Conclusion@#Screen time is associated with emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children. Schools and parents should pay attention to interventions that target family TV viewing practices, and parent-child interaction and communication.