Assessing The Relationship Between Screen Time and Myopia In Children Aged 5-12 Ibadan South-West Local Government

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between screen time and myopia in children aged 5-12 years in Ibadan South-west Local Government, Nigeria. Guided by three specific purposes and research questions, the study examined how screen exposure, parental behaviors, and socioeconomic status influenced the development of myopia in young children. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample of 300 children aged 5-12 years was selected from primary schools using a multistage sampling method.

Two main instruments were used for data collection: a structured questionnaire for parents and an eye examination for children. The questionnaire was reviewed by experts in child health, education, and visual health to ensure content validity. The test-retest method was employed to establish reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.70. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations, to summarize demographic data, screen time duration, and the prevalence of myopia among participants.

The findings revealed that prolonged screen time was significantly associated with higher rates of myopia among children. Children exposed to more than 2 hours of screen time daily had a higher prevalence of myopia. Passive screen activities, such as watching television, were found to have a stronger association with myopia than active screen use, like educational or interactive activities. Parental behaviors and lower socioeconomic status were also linked to increased screen exposure and higher rates of myopia.

The study concluded that excessive screen time poses a significant risk for myopia in children and highlighted the need for public health interventions and parental education to manage screen time effectively and support healthier visual development.