Physical Activity and Screen Time Pattern among Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool Children: A descriptive Study from Northeast India

Abstract

Excessive screen time has a significant negative impact on physical activity, growth, and psychological development and leads to a sedentary lifestyle, risk of noncommunicable diseases, and poor dietary behavior among children. This study was conducted to describe the pattern of physical activity, restraint time, sleep time, and screen time among preschool children. This cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 0-5 years. We recorded a detailed history, including daily average screen time and physical activity, restraint time, sleep time, and anthropometric measurements. These measurements were compared with the World Health Organization recommendation for the respective age groups. Statistical data was analyzed using Chi-square test and Student's "t" test. A total of 102 children (9 infants, 47 toddlers, and 46 preschool children) with a mean age of 34.3 (standard deviation [SD] 15.9) months participated in the study. Overall physical activity, restraint time, and sleep were inadequate in 12.7%, 5.9%, and 18.6%, respectively. Excess screen time was seen in 57.8% of children, with 55.5% infants, 59.5% toddlers, and 56.5% preschool children. There was a significant change in screen time with junk food consumption (P = 0.03) and daily caloric intake (P = 0.04), but there was no change in the screen time relation with anthropometric variables. To conclude inadequate physical activity and excessive screen time are prevalent among infants, toddlers, and preschool children from Northeast India. The study's findings provide insight into the importance of balancing screen time and physical activity to ensure the well-being and development of young children.

Keywords: Excessive screen time; junk food; physical activity; restraint time; sleep time; under-five children.