Factors associated with prolonged screen exposure among children aged 6 to 59 months in yaounde (cameroon)

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Factors associated with prolonged screen exposure among children aged 6 to 59 months in Yaounde (Cameroon)

Ginette Claude Mireille Kalla^1,2, Jeannette Epée Ngoué¹, Marcelle Ehouzou Mandeng^3,2, Eveline Feuldi¹, Nelly Kamgaing Noubi^1,2.

¹Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon,
²Department of Pediatrics, University Teaching Hospital Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon,
³Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ebolawa, Sangmelima, Cameroon.

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Abstract
Introduction: The recommendations regarding screen time for children under five years are clearly defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective was to study the factors associated with prolonged screen exposure among children aged 6 to 59 months in Yaounde.
Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study in three referral hospitals in Yaounde from February 1 to July 31, 2025. The study population consisted of accompanying parents and children aged 6 to 59 months attending the outpatient, vaccination, and hospitalization units of the pediatric departments of these hospitals. Ethical clearance and free and informed parental consent were obtained. Prolonged screen exposure was defined as exposure exceeding the age-based recommended standard according to the WHO. The significance threshold was set at <5%.
Results: A total of 468 children were included. Screen exposure was prolonged in 71.6% of children and early in 83.1% of them. The average daily exposure time was 1.5 hours. Children under 24 months (p < 0.001), the availability of television (p = 0.004) or tablet (p = 0.031) at home, screen ownership by the child (p = 0.036), having 2-3 children (p = 0.030) or ≥ 4 children (p = 0.037), and lack of awareness about screen use (p < 0.001) were independent factors associated with prolonged screen exposure.
Conclusion: Seven out of ten children aged 6 to 59 months have prolonged screen exposure in Yaounde. The majority are exposed at an early age. Numerous associated factors have been identified, pointing toward targeted prevention strategies.

Why this article important?

• What was already known on the subject: Excessive screen exposure is harmful to young children's development. The World Health Organization recommends no exposure before the age of 2 years and less than one hour per day between the ages of 2 and 4 years. African data on this emerging public health issue remains limited. • Implications for clinical practice, policy, or research: There is an urgent need to integrate systematic screening for screen exposure into pediatric consultations at all points of entry. Targeted parental education programs and national guidelines adapted to the African context must be put in place to protect the optimal development of young children.

Summary of article

• • The question addressed in this study: What factors are associated with prolonged screen exposure among children aged 6 to 59 months in Yaounde, Cameroon? • Key findings: Seven out of ten children (71.6%) have prolonged screen exposure, with 83.1% exposed early before the age of 2 years. The average daily exposure time was 1.5 hours. The independant factors significantly associated identified are : age under 24 months (p < 0.001), the availability of television (p = 0.004) or tablet (p = 0.031) at home, screen ownership by the child (p = 0.036), having 2-3 children (p = 0.030) or = 4 children (p = 0.037), and lack of awareness about screen use (p < 0.001).

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