THE PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF SCREEN TIME AMONG INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MAKKAH AL-MOKARRAMAH, SAUDI ARABIA, 2019.A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY

Aim of study: To assess screen-time among intermediate school students in Makkah Al-Mokarramah. Methodology: Following a cross-sectional study design in in Alawali District, Makkah City, a total of 175 intermediate school students (85 boys and 90 girls) were included in the present study. A self-administered questionnaire was used. Results: About three-fourths of students (71.4%) use electronic devices. The average duration of daily use of electronic devices was < 1 hour among 42.9% of students, 2-4 hours among 25.7% of students, while it was 4-6 hours among 1.7% and >7 hours among 1.1%. The smartphones were the most frequently used electronic devices (69.7%), followed by the television (52.6%), videogames (52%), tablets (40%), laptops/computers (32%) and the cellular phones (10.9%). Use of electronic devices increases significantly at weekends (p<0.001). Prolonged (>8 hours) physical activity was significantly more during weekends (9.1% vs. 0%, p<0.001). On the other hand, duration of sleep did not differ during weekdays and weekends. Use of electronic devices was significantly higher among male students than female students (78.8% and 64.4%, respectively, p=0.035). Students whose GPA was >95% had significantly highest use of electronic devices (85.3%, p=0.024). Use of electronic devices did not differ significantly according to care takers? personal characteristics or family characteristics. Conclusions: One-fourth intermediate school students in Makkah Al-Mokarramah, have prolonged daily screen time. The most frequently used electronic devices are mainly smartphones, TV, videogames, tablets, and laptops or computers. Use of electronic devices increases during their weekends and entertainment is the most frequent purpose for using electronic devices for more than 8 hours. Screen time is significantly higher among boys and those with higher GPA. Recommendations: Immediate and comprehensive actions are needed to diminish adolescents? screen time. TV-watching time can be minimized through school-based educational components assisted by parental involvement with students? homework. Health education of adolescents and their parents to raise their awareness regarding health risks associated with high screen time and how they can positively influence their children by enforcing family rules to limit using electronic devices.