Screen use by hospitalized children and adolescents: caregivers’ perception

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze screen time usage among children and adolescents in both home and hospital settings from their caregivers’ perception. An exploratory and cross-sectional research with a quantitative approach was conducted at a public university hospital in a Brazilian capital. Data collection involved administering two questionnaires to caregivers: one on socioeconomic and hospitalization factors, and another on screen time usage at home and in the hospital and their perceptions thereof. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The study included 40 caregivers of hospitalized children and adolescents, the majority of whom were female (90%, n=36). Regarding the children and adolescents’ characteristics, the majority were male (55%, n=22), aged between 8 months and 17 years. As for the reasons for hospitalization, it was identified that 40% (n=16) were due to diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and the length of hospital stay ranged from 1 to 37 days, with an average of 11 days. The results indicated screen time usage above recommended levels, though no significant difference was found between home and hospital usage, between weekdays, and/or between types of screens. Regarding caregivers’ perceptions, it was observed that some believe the amount of screen time is appropriate, indicating a need for greater training on the topic.