Screen Time, Associated Factors, and Language Development in Young Children Attending Daycare in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025
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Date
2025-04-15
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Screen time refers to the duration spent using electronic devices. Increased screen time in young children is linked to language delays, particularly when exposure begins before age one. The AAP recommends no screen time for children under 2 and limits of one hour per day for those aged 2-5, supervised by caregivers. There is limited research on this topic within our population.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of excessive screen time, associated factors and its language outcome in children aged between 1- and 4-years attending daycare centers of Arada and Yeka sub cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 15, to February 15, involving 332 randomly selected children aged 1 to 4 years in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data were collected using a questionnaire, language outcome were screed by standardized ASQ3 tool and analyzed with SPSS version 30. Descriptive statistics summarized characteristics, while bivariable and multivariable regression analyses identified factors associated with excessive screen time, calculating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A p-value <0.05 was deemed statistically significant, with findings presented through texts, tables, and figures.
Results: In total, 306 children included in this study, yielding a response rate of 92.2%. The median age of the children was 40 months (interquartile range: 28–48). Excessive screen time was observed in 69.9% of the sample (95% CI: 64.8–75.1%; n = 214), while language delay was identified in 6.5% (n = 20). Factors associated with excessive screen time included age <2 years (AOR = 12.72; 95% CI: 3.22-50.35), having seldom to often supervision during electronics use (AOR (95% CI) of 2.38 (1.03,5.50) and 6.13 (2.79-13.16), respectively), Mother's screen time >2 hours per day (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.17-4.87), first-time exposure to media before twelve months and in the second year of life (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.16,13.16 and AOR = 3.90; 95% CI: 1.16,13.16), respectively). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between excessive screen time and language delay (χ² = 4.10, p = 0.043).
Conclusion: These findings highlight a concerning prevalence of excessive screen time among young children, particularly those under two years old. Significant associations with language delay underscores the need for targeted interventions and parental guidance to mitigate screen exposure and promote healthy developmental outcomes. Addressing these factors may help reduce the risk of language delays in early childhood. VI
Key words: preschool children, screen time, language delay, associated factors, daycare centers, Ethiopia
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preschool children screen time language delay associated factors associated factorsEthiopia