Screen Time and Associated Health Problems Among Undergraduates of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background and Objective: The combined time consumed by undergraduates for television viewing, internet usage and playing video games is considered as screen time. Previous studies provide evidence that screen time is associated with many complaints, such as headache, backache, and sleep problems. This study is aimed to investigate screen time and associated health problems among undergraduates.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently selected 430 undergraduates from four faculties of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used.Results: Results indicated that the mean screen time was 315.8 (SD=256.2) minutes per day during the week and 456.5 (SD=294.3) minutes per day during the weekend. Using the internet was the commonest screen activity among undergraduates rather than other screen time activities. Excessive screen time was significantly associated with headache, higher sleep latency, shoulder pain, hand pain, and pain in the eyes among undergraduates (p<.05).Conclusions: The findings indicated that a higher screen time could lead to health problems among undergraduates. Therefore, the student population need to be informed of the impact and adverse effects of excessive screen time usage and actions should also be taken to minimize modifiable determinants of excessive screen time.