Exposure to screens in patients who come for care in the specialized outpatient clinic of the Hospital Del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel

Abstract

Introduction: The use of electronic devices from an early age has become increasingly common. Nowadays, the rise in the use of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, televisions, among others, has led to almost universal screen exposure among children. Objectives: To describe the characteristics of screen exposure in patients attending the Specialized Outpatient Clinic of the Dr. José Renán Esquivel Children’s Hospital, considering age of onset of exposure, number of screen hours per day, the types of electronic devices most frequently used, and the relationship with caregivers’ own screen exposure. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted through a survey answered by parents and caregivers at a tertiary-level hospital in Panama, evaluating the characteristics of screen exposure. Results: A total of 420 surveys were included; 98.5% of respondents reported having screens at home, 90% of patients were exposed to screens, 40% of children were exposed before the age of 2, and 70% were exposed for more than one hour per day. The most frequently used screen was television (44.9%), followed by cell phones (44.2%). Among caregivers, 67.9% reported screen exposure, and 27.2% reported more than 4 hours of exposure per day, while 26.7% believed that screen exposure promotes child development. Conclusions: The age of onset of screen exposure in children is early, and caregivers themselves show high levels of exposure; for some, screens are perceived as beneficial for child development. Although television remains the most commonly used screen, mobile devices—especially cell phones—also play a significant role.