Pattern of Screen Time in Preschool Children and Associated Factors from a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit in Nepal

Background: There is a growing concern regarding excess screen time in children. It is unclear whether screen time exposure is associated with developmental delays. Thus, the purpose of the study was to assess the pattern of screen time, sociodemographic characteristics, and associated factors. Materials and Methods: The study is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Children below six years were recruited consecutively at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Department. The study duration was from January to March 2023. Detailed assessment was done by consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists or psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. A semi-structured proforma and Vineland Social Maturity Scale were used to assess the children. Results: The sample included 118 children. Majority (77.8%, n = 91) of them were male and the mean age was 38.76 ± 12.33 months. Most common reason for visit was speech delay (92.3%) followed by decreased social interaction (35.6%). Ninety-six percent ( n = 113) had history of screen time and 54.7% ( n = 64) had screen time of more than 2 hours per day. Majority (89.7%, n = 105) of them were exposed to screen before two years of age. The main reason for screen time was “meal times” (53.4%) followed by “to do house hold chores” (52.6%). No significant associations could be drawn according to our results. Conclusion: The study highlights the early onset of screen exposure among children. Significant association could not be established between screen exposure and socialization and communication.