Association between media exposure and behavioral problems among preschool children

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of behavioral problems among preschool children is remarkably increasing in the clinical setting. AIM: The current study aimed to investigate the association between media exposure and behavioral problems among preschool children. METHODS: This survey study recruited 560 children from 10 nurseries selected randomly, located in El-Mansoura, Egypt. Tools included socio-demographic characteristics the Media Exposure Questionnaire and the Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales (CBRS-48). RESULTS: The participants were exposed to media for an average of 105.84 min per day and displayed moderate levels in all subscales of CBRS-48. The duration of media exposure was significantly correlated to the hyperactivity index, learning problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, conduct problem, anxiety, and psychosomatic problems (r = 0.372, 0.356, 0.323, 0.306, 0.298, 0.291, and 0.255, respectively). CONCLUSION: The duration of media exposure was significantly correlated to the subscales of CBRS-48. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Preschool children should be engaged in concrete activities and social interactions that may lessen negative media effects such as hyperactivity, learning problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, conduct problem, anxiety, and psychosomatic problems.