Screen media use in hospitalized children: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Screen use among hospitalized children is a rapidly increasing phenomenon, frequently observed in pediatric wards. However, data regarding the characteristics of this use remain limited. Objective: To identify factors associated with screen exposure among hospitalized children in pediatric wards. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the pediatric medicine wards A and D of the Béchir Hamza Children's Hospital in Tunis. Results: Sixty-two children were exposed to screens, representing a hospital frequency of 17%. All children had already been exposed to screens before admission, with a mean age of exposure of 18.95 ± 13.043 months [4–53 months]. Screen time was, in most cases, two hours per day (60%). 39% of patients were exposed to screens during medical care. In 61% of cases, the child was accompanied by their mother in an interactive manner. A change in behavior was noted in 50% of cases. A positive impact was reported in 74% of cases. Young mothers, first-time mothers, and firstborn mothers were associated with early screen exposure. Midday exposure was significantly associated with increased aggression, while exposure in the evening before bedtime was associated with calmer children. Conclusion: Young, first-time mothers were more frequently associated with early screen time; older mothers more readily adopted an interactive approach. The timing of screen time influenced the child's behavior in the hospital setting.