Prevalence of excessive screen time in hospitalized pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand the prevalence of screen time in hospitalized children and identify factors predicting excessive screen use during hospitalization.

METHODS

This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with patients from the Pediatric Inpatient Unit of a Brazilian hospital, from March 2022 to April 2023. A total of 260 children were included. Family members completed questionnaires about screen time during hospitalization and at home, as well as providing information on physical activity and functionality. Socioeconomic and demographic details were obtained from electronic records.

RESULTS

During hospitalization, children spent a median of 270 min per day on screens, significantly more than at home. Excessive screen time at home, better patient functionality, and lower caregiver education levels were significant predictors of excessive screen use during hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Excessive use of screen devices among hospitalized children, with only a minority adhering to the World Health Organization's screen time recommendations. Key predictors of excessive screen use included high screen time at home, lower caregiver education levels, and preserved child functionality.