Assessment of screen time and its correlates among adolescents in selected rural areas of Puducherry.

Objectives: To assess screen time and its correlates among adolescents in selected rural areas of Puducherry.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among adolescents aged 10-19 years visiting the Pediatrics and other departments at Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences (SLIMS), Puducherry. The sample size of 164 was determined based on previous studies, with a systematic random sampling technique used for participant selection. Data collection involved a semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic factors, screen time, sleep, dietary, and physical activity patterns. Increased screen time was defined as more than 2 h per day, and adequate physical activity was considered as at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercises. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 17, with associations tested using Chi-square analysis and a significance level set at p<0.05.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 18.2 (0.9) years, with 86 % in the 16-19 years age group. Males comprised 53.7 %, and 66.5 % were from rural areas. The mean screen time was 4.4 (1.5) hours per day, with 79.1 % exceeding the recommended limit. Mobile phones were the most frequently used devices (92.7 %), primarily for watching movies (51.8 %) and videos (23.8 %). Increased screen time was significantly associated with younger age (10-15 years), urban residence, and school-going status. Adolescents with increased screen time exhibited lower physical activity and inadequate sleep. Additionally, increased consumption of packaged foods was observed among those with higher screen time.

Conclusions: More than three-fourths of the adolescents exceeded the recommended screen time, negatively impacting their physical activity and sleep. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier lifestyle choices among adolescents in rural Puducherry.