The effects of technology use on children's physical activity: a cross-sectional study in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Recently, a considerable amount of literature has been concerned with the impact of screen time on physical activity. Furthermore, recent evidence reveals that children under 14 spend an average of 23 hours each week looking at screens, including watching TV and DVDs, playing video games, or using a computer or mobile device. This study aimed to determine the relationship between technology use and physical activity. 277 parents completed an online questionnaire in this cross-sectional investigation. The questionnaire comprised 44 closed-ended questions divided into three sections: demographics, the impact of technology on children, and the Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire (CPAQ). 88 (31.8%) of children reported up to 5 hours of screen time per day, while 189 (68.2%) reported 6 hours or more. According to the CPAQ, 131 (47.3%) children had a low level of physical activity, 96 (34.7%) had a moderate level, and 50 (18.1%) had a high level. There was a strong relationship between parental age and child screen time, with 24.9% of children with screen time greater than 6 hours having parents aged 35–40 years, compared to 28.4% of children with screen time less than 5 hours having parents aged 25–30 years. Inadequate physical activity in children was linked to the number of siblings, ownership of electronic devices, and screen time. Physical activity should be increased through lifestyle changes that the entire family can implement.