Behavioral and Functional Changes Due to Smartphone Overusage among Under-five Children in Rural Puducherry: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Context: Smartphones have revolutionized, and become an integral part of a child’s life. The child’s interaction with these modern devices needs to be assessed because it could have an enormous effect on their behavior, sleep habits, and psychological addiction. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of exposure to smartphone, and the association between the exposure and behavioral, functional changes among under-five children in rural Puducherry. Settings and Design: This community-based cross-sectional study was done in the field practice area of a private medical college in Puducherry. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 340 eligible participants. Subjects and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the pattern of exposure and physical, social, and behavioral changes among study participants. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using SPSS software, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 340 children, more than half of participants 180 (52.9%) were female. Interestingly, around half of the study participants’ parents 181 (53.2%) accepted that their children were exposed to smartphone for entertainment purposes, and around one-tenth 35 (10.3%) of the participants viewed screen for more than the recommended screen time for age. Increased smartphone exposure was statistically associated with behavioral and functional changes. Conclusions: Measures must be undertaken to prevent deleterious behavioral and functional changes in under-five children due to excessive smartphone usage. Health education sessions and social behavioral change communication should be planned for the parents to protect the budding generation from the negative effects of smartphone usage.

Keywords

• behavioral
• functional change
• smartphone
• under five