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Alenazi SA, Hasham SH, Hanif I, Hussain S, Abderahim M, Alanazi AM, Alhudhayyiri BF, Alanazi AF, Alanazi AM, Elmorsy E. Association of Screen Time Exposure With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Four to Six-Year-Old Children in Arar City, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e61447. [PMID: 38947650 PMCID: PMC11214804 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a psychopathologic disorder caused by several factors. The early signs include poor interaction and communication, delayed milestones, and repeated behavior patterns. This study aimed to assess the relationship between screen time and ASD severity and investigate the types of electronic devices associated with ASD in children aged four to six years in Arar City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Arar City, KSA. The study enrolled all parents with children aged four to six years attending the PHCs in Arar City, KSA. Results The total sample size was 199 participants. Regarding the relationship between screen time exposure and ASD, there were variable screen time exposure durations, with 22.6% of children exposed for less than an hour, 30.7% for one to two hours, and 46.7% for more than two hours. Moreover, the type of electronic devices to which children were exposed varied, with smartphones being the most prevalent (68.3%). In terms of the age of children since exposure to electronic devices, the data indicated that 30.2% were exposed before the age of two, 35.2% between two and three years, and 34.7% after three years of age. Regarding the relationship with sociodemographic characteristics, there was a statistically significant relationship with the mother's age at birth (p = 0.050), mother's education level (p = 0.009), father's education level (p = 0.049), whether the child was suffering from any chronic or neurological disease (p = 0.008), age since the child was exposed to electronic devices (p = 0.049), and screen time exposure duration (p = 0.040). Conclusions The study highlights the significant association between screen time exposure and the development of ASD in children. Public awareness of this associated risk among caregivers is recommended to follow the protective guidelines. Further research and interventions are needed to better understand and address the impact of screen media use on children's neurodevelopment and overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irfan Hanif
- Pediatrics, Northern Border University, Arar, SAU
| | | | | | | | | | - Abdullah F Alanazi
- Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, SAU
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AlSamhori JF, Toubasi AA, Jaber DZ, Ghanem HH, Thainat BI, AlSamhori AF, Kalbouneh H. Jordanian parental perception of screen time and its association with psychological distress: A cross-sectional design. Pediatr Neonatol 2024:S1875-9572(24)00052-4. [PMID: 38677918 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The excessive use of electronic devices among children is a global concern because of its negative impact on behavior. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess parents' awareness of their children's electronic device use and their perspective on how screen time affects behavior for 4-10-year-olds in Jordan. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess parents' awareness of their children's electronic device usage. The study included 807 mothers and fathers from Jordan with at least one child aged 4 to 10. The data collection instrument consisted of a self-administered survey with 43 questions, including sociodemographic characteristics and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, categorical Chi-square test, Independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. The study followed ethical standards and principles. RESULTS A survey of 807 parents in Jordan found that gaming and videos were the most common content watched by children, and 61.3% used devices alone. Only 37.1% of parents believed that device use could improve their children's psychological growth, while 72.7% and 65.9% believed it could impact negatively their children's mental and psychological growth, respectively. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire showed that 51.4% of children were normal, while 25.3% were borderline and 23.3% were abnormal. CONCLUSION Children in the study used electronic devices excessively and this was linked to severe behavioral problems. Parents should follow AAP guidelines and spend more time with their children through non-electronic activities to improve their behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dunia Z Jaber
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Heba Kalbouneh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Almalki AM, Alblowi M, Aldosari AM, Khandekar R, Al-Swailem SA. Population perceived eye strain due to digital devices usage during COVID-19 pandemic. Int Ophthalmol 2022; 43:1935-1943. [PMID: 36471221 PMCID: PMC9734945 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-022-02593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the magnitude severity and determinants of eyestrain and the use of digital devices in a Saudi population during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. METHODS This web-based survey was conducted in September 2020 and enrolled only Saudi nationals 15 years or older. Data were collected on demographics, eye strain related symptoms, severity, and the use of optical aids during the COVID-19 lockdown. The frequency and severity of eye strain were calculated. A Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) score was graded as none/mild moderate and severe, based on the sum of 15-eye strain related signs and symptoms. Correlation analysis was performed for determinants of CVS. RESULTS The study sample was comprised of 2009 individuals with median age of 20 years. Among those who used digital devices for more than 6 h daily, the main reasons for use were work and social purposes among 68.4%, and 61% of respondents, respectively. The prevalence of knowledge on CVS and the '20-20 rule for using digital devices' was 9.4% and 6.9, respectively. The most common symptoms of eye strain from digital device usage were headache, burning, itching, tearing, and redness of eyes. Six hours of daily usage of digital devices was positively associated to the grade of eye strain severity during the COVID-19 lockdown (P < 0.05)). CONCLUSION The Saudi population experienced eye strain during COVID-19 lockdown due to excessive digital devices usage. Longer duration of digital device usage was associated to eye strain. Health care providers should educate the general population on measures to mitigate eye strain due to digital devices. Trial registration ID None applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwaq M. Almalki
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, 2775 AlUrubah Road, Umm AlHammam AlGharbi, Unit 2, P.O. Box 7191, 11462 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Ophthalmology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alblowi
- Optometry Division, Medical Staff Department, King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayat M. Aldosari
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, 2775 AlUrubah Road, Umm AlHammam AlGharbi, Unit 2, P.O. Box 7191, 11462 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Ophthalmology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajiv Khandekar
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, 2775 AlUrubah Road, Umm AlHammam AlGharbi, Unit 2, P.O. Box 7191, 11462 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Samar A. Al-Swailem
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, 2775 AlUrubah Road, Umm AlHammam AlGharbi, Unit 2, P.O. Box 7191, 11462 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Eirich R, McArthur BA, Anhorn C, McGuinness C, Christakis DA, Madigan S. Association of Screen Time With Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problems in Children 12 Years or Younger: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2022; 79:393-405. [PMID: 35293954 PMCID: PMC8928099 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Importance Currently, there is a lack of consensus in the literature on the association between screen time (eg, television, video games) and children's behavior problems. Objective To assess the association between the duration of screen time and externalizing and internalizing behavior problems among children 12 years or younger. Data Sources For this systematic review and meta-analysis, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched for articles published from January 1960 to May 2021. Reference lists were manually searched for additional studies. Study Selection Included studies measured screen time (ie, duration) and externalizing or internalizing behavior problems in children 12 years or younger, were observational or experimental (with baseline data), were available in English, and had data that could be transformed into an effect size. Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic were excluded. Of 25 196 nonduplicate articles identified and screened for inclusion, 595 met the selection criteria. Data Extraction and Synthesis The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Extracted variables were child age, sex, and socioeconomic status; informants and measurement type for screen time and behavior problems; study publication year; and study design and quality. Data were extracted by 2 independent coders and were pooled using a random-effects model. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the association of screen time duration with externalizing (eg, aggression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms) and internalizing (eg, depression, anxiety) behaviors or diagnoses. Results Of the 595 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, 87 studies met all inclusion criteria, comprising 98 independent samples and 159 425 participants (mean [SD] age, 6.07 [2.89] years; 83 246 [51.30%] male). Increased duration of screen time had a small but significant correlation with more externalizing problems (90 samples; r, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.10-0.12) and internalizing problems (43 samples; r, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.05-0.08) in children. Several methodological moderators explained between-study heterogeneity. There was evidence of significant between study heterogeneity (I2 = 87.80). Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review and meta-analysis found small but significant correlations between screen time and children's behavior problems. Methodological differences across studies likely contributed to the mixed findings in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Eirich
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brae Anne McArthur
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ciana Anhorn
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Claire McGuinness
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dimitri A Christakis
- Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle.,Editor, JAMA Pediatrics
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Alrahili N, Almarshad NA, Alturki RY, Alothaim JS, Altameem RM, Alghufaili MA, Alghamdi AA, Alageel AA. The Association Between Screen Time Exposure and Autism Spectrum Disorder-Like Symptoms in Children. Cureus 2021; 13:e18787. [PMID: 34804653 PMCID: PMC8592297 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Research problem Advances in technology have ensured its inevitable integration in our life. Children, being at a vulnerable age period of development, are spending more time on electronic devices. Some studies reported negative effects on sleep, physical health such as obesity and vision problems, and behavioral changes such as aggressive behavior with exposure to violent media content. Research significance We will study the effect of using electronic devices on communication skills in children in Saudi Arabia. Our findings can be used to raise awareness on this matter. Research objectives The aim of our study is to examine the association between screen time and social communication skills among children of four years to six years of age in Saudi Arabia. Research methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the relationship between social skills development and screen time by using a validated Arabic version of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). The sample in this study consists of 308 children from four to six years of age. Research results The results showed that the hours spent using the electronic device were significantly associated with having an SCQ score ≥ 15 (P < 0.05). A high SCQ score was prevalent in 19.7% (n = 31) of children who spent >3 hours using an electronic device compared to 10.2% (n = 5) and 7.84% (n = 8) of children who spent an hour or <2 hours using electronic devices, respectively. Conclusion Our study highlighted a significant association between the daily hours spent on devices and having an SCQ score above 15, which suggests a deficit in social skill development and having autism spectrum disorder-like symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Alrahili
- Department of Psychiatry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Najla A Almarshad
- Department of Psychiatry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Jamal S Alothaim
- Department of Psychiatry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Roba Mohsin Altameem
- Department of Psychiatry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | | | - Asem A Alageel
- Department of Psychiatry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
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Almuaigel D, Alanazi A, Almuaigel M, Alshamrani F, AlSheikh M, Almuhana N, Zeeshan M, Alshurem M, Alshammari A, Mansi K. Impact of Technology Use on Behavior and Sleep Scores in Preschool Children in Saudi Arabia. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:649095. [PMID: 34093270 PMCID: PMC8175968 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.649095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pre-school children use digital devices both at home and in kindergarten for communication. However, such technologies can also be used for creativity learning and entertainment. Technology usage might exert a negative impact on the psychosocial development of pre-school children, thus necessitating parental monitoring. Previous studies have recommended early intervention for pre-school children by decreasing the duration of digital devices, spending more time with the family, and participation in motor activities to avoid the ill effects of technology. Aim: To investigate the impact of digital device use on the behavioral and sleep scores of preschool children as perceived by parents in Saudi Arabia (SA). Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted across two regions in SA. It was ethically approved by the ethical review board of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. The participants were randomly selected from well-baby hospital records, surveyed and interviewed to obtain data for the following measures: demographic data, technology usage, sleep disturbance scale, and behavior scale. Children with special needs or comorbidities were excluded from the study. Descriptive and multivariate regression analysis were done. Results: We recruited 288 children. Most did not attend schools (63.2%), 22.6% were in kindergarten, and 14.2% were in nursery schools. Smart phones were the most commonly used device by the children (42.4%). Most used the technology for 2-3 h/days (34%). Cartoons were the most commonly sought content (42%). The behavior scores for children aged 18-36 months showed a mean value of 5.1, 3.7, and 4.6 for surgency, negative affect, and effortful control, respectively. Children aged 3-5 years showed a mean value of 4.3, 4, and 4.7 for surgency, negative affect, and effortful control, respectively. Sleep disturbance scores for all children showed a mean value of 12.4, 3.5, 3.8, 8, 7.3, and 2.7 on disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep, sleep-breathing disorders, disorders of arousal, sleep-wake transition disorders, disorders of excessive somnolence, and sleep hyperhidrosis, respectively. The mean total sleep score was 37. Multivariate regression analysis showed significant positive relationship between surgency and three factors namely family income of 10,000-15,000 SR (t = 1.924, p = 0.045), fathers' bachelor's degrees (t = 2.416, p = 0.16), and owning a video game device (t = 2.826, p = 0.005<0.05). Negative affect was significantly associated with fathers' diploma level of education (t = 2.042, p = 0.042). Negative significant relationship between effortful control and fathers' secondary level of education (t = -2.053, p = 0.041). There was a significant negative relationship between effortful control and owning a TV and video game device (t = -2.35, -2.855, p = 0.043, 0.005<0.05, respectively). A significant positive relationship was found between child's sleeping score (worse sleep) and watching technology between 3 and 5 h (t = 2.01, p = 0.045), and mothers' unemployment status (t = 2.468, p = 0.014). Conclusion: In conclusion, technology use is associated with a negative impact on children sleep and behavior. Owning a digital device, using tablets, screen viewing for more than 3-5 h, and watching movies were significantly associated with negative child's behavior and sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Almuaigel
- Special Education Department, College of Education, Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar Alanazi
- Special Education Department, College of Education, Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Almuaigel
- Neurology Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Foziah Alshamrani
- Neurology Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.,Neurology Department, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona AlSheikh
- Physiology Department, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora Almuhana
- Psychiatry Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.,Psychiatry Department, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Zeeshan
- Physiology Department, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alshurem
- Neurology Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.,Neurology Department, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Alshammari
- Neurology Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kamel Mansi
- School of Management, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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