Factors Associated With Screen Time Among Preschool Children in Lima, Peru

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to identify factors associated with excessive screen time among preschoolers in Lima, Peru.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis from a 2019 panel study in Lima, Peru, was conducted focusing on women, aged 18 and above, who are mothers of 3- to 5-year-olds in mid-high and mid-low districts. There were two outcome variables: excessive TV and excessive electronic devices screen time, defined as ≥ 1 h of screen exposure for each one. Explored factors included the mother’s age, education and wealth index and the children’s age, sex, physical activity, day care attendance and ultra-processed food consumption. Crude (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were estimated for the association between associated factors and excessive screen time using the GLM Poisson of with a logarithmic link.

Results

Excessive TV screen time and electronic devices prevalence was 74% and 36.9%, respectively. For TV screen time, a high wealth index (aPR 1.13; 95%CI: 1.03–1.23) and children’s age (aPR 1.18; 95%CI: 1.08–1.29 for 4 years, PR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.07–1.28 for 5 years) were significant. For electronic devices, significant associations included mothers with more than 3 children (aPR 0.77; 95%CI: 0.62–0.96), being single (aPR 1.27; 95%CI: 1.01–1.58) and a high wealth index (aPR 1.38; 95%CI: 1.13–1.68). Furthermore, significant associations were found between excessive electronic device screen time and consumption of candies and chocolates (aPR 1.38; 95%CI: 1.08–1.77).

Conclusions

Seven out of 10 preschool children exceeded the recommended television screen time. Certain characteristics of the children, their mothers and the family’s socio-economic situation are related to excessive television screen time and excessive electronic device screen time.