Usage time of touch screens in relation to visual-motor integration and the quality of life in preschooler children

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the usage of touch screen time in relation to the visual-motor integration and the quality-of-life in preschool children. Additionally, we compare the difference between children who practiced sports and attended nursery with those who did not attend such activities. METHODS: This study includes a convenience sample of 100 preschool children aged between three and five years. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scale is used to assess visual-motor integration and the Arabic version of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ generic scale to assess the quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: The Pearson correlation coefficient equation reveals a negative significant correlation (p = 0.0001) between touch screen usage time and visual-motor integration (r = −0.37), physical (r = −0.38), psychosocial (r =−−0.55) and the QoL total score (r = −−0.48). Children who practiced sports showed lower visual-motor integration and higher QoL scores than those who did not. Children who attended nursery showed higher visual-motor integration and lower QoL scores than those who were not given the chance to attend these activities. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the current study, it can be concluded that increased touch screen usage time was found to adversely affect visual-motor integration and the QoL in preschool children. Practicing sports and attending nursery influence the visual-motor integration and the QoL.