In the digital age, our lives have become intrinsically intertwined with screens—be it smartphones, tablets, computers, or television. The pervasive use of screens has transformed the way we communicate, work, learn and entertain ourselves. While these technological advancements have undoubtedly enriched our lives, they have also raised concerns about the potential adverse effects of excessive screen time on our health and well-being [1-4].

Screen time refers to the amount of time individuals spend engaged with screens for various activities, including but not limited to browsing the internet, social media interactions, gaming, streaming content and work-related tasks. The proliferation of screens in our daily lives has made it crucial to understand the implications of screen time habits, particularly among the general population [4-7].

District Kangra, nestled in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, India, represents a unique blend of natural beauty and modernity. This district, like many others across the world, has witnessed a significant surge in the use of digital screens in recent years. While screens offer numerous benefits, such as facilitating education and connecting communities, they also bring forth a range of potential challenges, particularly related to physical health, mental well-being and social dynamics [8-10].

Excessive screen time has been associated with adverse health effects, including an increased risk of obesity, sleep disturbances, digital eye strain and musculoskeletal problems, among others. Moreover, prolonged screen exposure, especially among children and adolescents, has raised concerns about its impact on cognitive development, attention span and social interaction [11-14].

Awareness and knowledge about screen time habits are pivotal in promoting healthy and responsible screen use. Understanding the potential risks and benefits allows individuals to make informed decisions regarding their screen-related activities. Moreover, awareness empowers parents, educators and policymakers to implement effective strategies for screen time management and education [15-18].

This study sets out to unravel the levels of awareness and knowledge regarding screen time habits among the general population of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. By comprehending the current awareness levels, identifying misconceptions and assessing prevailing screen time habits, this research aims to provide valuable insights that can inform public health initiatives and educational programs. The ultimate goal is to foster responsible and balanced screen time habits in District Kangra and promote the well-being of its residents in the digital age.

As the world continues its digital transformation, it is imperative to bridge the knowledge gap regarding screen time and its potential implications. By focusing on District Kangra, this study not only addresses a pressing concern in a specific region but also contributes to the broader understanding of screen time habits in an era characterized by screens of all sizes and functionalities.

Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is to gauge the levels of awareness and knowledge about Screen Time Habits among the general population of District Kangra Himachal Pradesh.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Cross-sectional survey design

• Study Area: District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

• Study Duration: Between May 2023 to June 2023

• Study Population: The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Kangra for a minimum of 12 months

• Sample Size: A robust sample size of 400 adults was determined using a 95% confidence level, an estimated knowledge level of 50% regarding Screen Time Habits, a precise 5% absolute error margin and a conservative 5% non-response rate

• Study Tool: A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography and knowledge regarding Screen Time Habits was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of participants to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents

Description of Tool

• Demographic Data Survey Instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education and many more

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding Screen Time Habits. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80% (16-20) = very good, 60-79% (12-15) = Good, 41-59% (8-11) = Fair, <40% (< 8) = poor

• Validity of Tool: By the experts in this field

• Data Collection: Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated among the residents of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh for responses using online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like Whatsapp groups, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin till the 400 responses were collected

• Data Analysis: Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage 

• Ethical Considerations: Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained

The primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding of Screen Time Habits among the general population of District Kangra. A total of 400 participants took part in the study, with 251 (62.75%) residing in urban areas and 149 (37.25%) in rural areas (Table 1).

Table 1: Knowledge Regarding Screen Time Habits Among Study Participants

In the present study 25.25% (101) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Screen Time Habits, 33.5% (134) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 21.5% (86) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 19.75% (79) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Table 2).
 

Table 2: Knowledge Scores Towards Screen Time Habits Among Study Participants

The findings of this study shed light on the awareness and knowledge levels concerning screen time habits among the general population of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. In today's digital age, screens have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering various benefits while also posing potential challenges, particularly related to physical and mental well-being.

The study revealed a substantial level of awareness among the participants regarding screen time and its potential impact on health. A significant majority of respondents were aware of the recommended screen time limits for children and adolescents as per health guidelines. Additionally, most participants recognized the need to balance screen time with physical activity and leisure activities. This high level of awareness indicates that a considerable portion of the population in District Kangra is conscious of the importance of responsible screen time habits.

Participants in this study demonstrated commendable knowledge of the physical and mental health effects associated with excessive screen time. They could correctly name several physical health effects linked to prolonged screen use, such as digital eye strain and musculoskeletal problems. Furthermore, many respondents were aware of the potential impact of excessive screen time on mental health. This aligns with existing literature highlighting the adverse consequences of excessive screen use on both physical and mental well-being.

Despite the overall positive findings, there are specific knowledge gaps that warrant attention. A significant number of participants were not familiar with the concept of "blue light" emitted by screens and its potential effects on sleep patterns. Additionally, awareness of the 20-20-20 rule for reducing eye strain during screen use was limited among respondents. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational efforts to address these specific areas of concern.

One of the noteworthy findings of this study is that many participants recognized the importance of balancing screen time with physical activity and leisure activities. This awareness is crucial, as excessive screen time has been linked to sedentary behavior, which, in turn, contributes to various health issues, including obesity and related comorbidities. Encouraging this awareness can play a pivotal role in promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Participants in the study also demonstrated awareness of the potential social consequences of excessive screen use. This is particularly relevant in today's society, where screen-based communication and social media interactions have become prevalent. Excessive screen use can lead to reduced face-to-face social interactions and may contribute to feelings of social isolation. Recognizing these potential social consequences is an important step toward fostering responsible screen time habits.

Comparing the findings of this study with similar research conducted in different regions, it is evident that the awareness and knowledge levels regarding screen time habits are relatively consistent.12-18This suggests that the dissemination of knowledge about responsible screen use is not limited to specific areas but is a broader trend across various populations. However, there may still be regional variations in specific aspects of screen time awareness and knowledge, highlighting the importance of localized educational efforts.

Implications for Public Health

The results of this study have significant implications for public health initiatives in District Kangra. While the awareness levels are promising, targeted educational programs can focus on areas where knowledge gaps exist, such as the impact of "blue light" on sleep patterns and the 20-20-20 rule for reducing eye strain. Furthermore, emphasizing the importance of setting screen time boundaries, especially before bedtime, can contribute to improved sleep hygiene and overall well-being.

Limitations

This study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias and social desirability bias. The sample, while scientifically determined, may not fully represent the entire population of District Kangra. Future research could explore the impact of specific interventions on improving knowledge levels and assess their effectiveness in promoting responsible screen time habits in the region.

In conclusion, this study highlights the encouraging levels of awareness and knowledge regarding screen time habits among the general population of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The findings suggest that a significant portion of the population possesses fundamental knowledge of responsible screen use and its potential implications for health and well-being. To further enhance screen time habits and mitigate potential risks, targeted educational efforts can focus on areas of improvement, such as understanding the effects of "blue light" and the 20-20-20 rule. These efforts can contribute to better screen time management and improved overall health in this unique and digitally connected community.

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