Pattern of Mobile Phone Use in Children Diagnosed with Neuro-Developmental Disorders: A Retrospective Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Digital technologies including mobile phone device have progressively become an integral part of the life of children and adolescents for communication as well as learning and playing. According to some authors, the use of mobile device constitutes a “passive” behavior or one-way communication, which takes the child away from other more useful learning processes.Objectives: To evaluate the pattern of mobile device use in children with Neurodevelopmental disorders in Bangladesh.Methods: This retrospective cross sectional type of study was conducted at Department of Paediatric Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from November 2022 to April 2023. Children aged 1-5 year with neurodevelopmental disorders eg; ASD, ADHD, Isolated speech delay, Epilepsy, GDD were selected and enrolled in this study. Then children were assessed thoroughly by taking detailed history and physical examination. Neurodevelopmental assessment was done by Rapid Neurodevelopmental Assessment (RNDA). In confirmed cases, parents were asked retrogradely regarding the pattern of use mobile phone of their child. Data were collected in pre-designed structured questionnaire after taking approval of Institutional review board. An informed written consent was taken from the parents or the legal guardians.Results: Total 100 children were included. Male were outnumbered (71%) than female. Isolated speech delay was the commonest neurodevelopmental disorder (33%) followed by ASD. Average screen used time were about 3-5 hours of one-third children (38%). Majority of the parents (42.4%) were involved in their household work at the time of mobile use. More than half of the children (57.8%) use mobile phone for watching cartoon. About 50% parents believe that mobile phone having decremental effect on child’s brain development. Maternal mobile was the prime source (65.5%) for using mobile device. Conclusion: Isolated speech delay was the most commonly encountered neurodevelopmental disorder in this study. Average screen used time were about 3-5 hours for one-third studied children. More than half of the neurodevelopmental disordered children use mobile phone for watching cartoon. About half of the parents belief that mobile device have definite decremental effects on child’s brain development.