Observational studyBMC public health2024
Association between screen time and physical activity on mental health among preschoolers: a cross-sectional study from Southwest China.
Observational study in BMC public health, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers.
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Who cites it
8 citing papers in PubMed, 10 citations in OpenAlex.
- Mental Health of Early and Prolonged Parent-Child Separated Children in Chinese Immigrant Families: A Qualitative Study With Parent-Child Dyads.Child & family social work · 2026Article
- Joint association of physical activity and screen exposure with subsequent suspected developmental coordination disorder in preschool children: a nationwide population-based study.The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity · 2026Article
- Screen time in preschool-aged children and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-related behaviors: A literature review.World journal of clinical pediatrics · 2026Review
- Relationship between screen use, physical activity, sleep duration and bladder and bowel dysfunction in Thai children.BMC pediatrics · 2026Article
- Longitudinal associations of screen time and outdoor physical activity trajectories with executive function and behavioral problems in children aged 4 years in china: a prospective cohort study.European child & adolescent psychiatry · 2026Article
- Objective Assessment of Media Screens Effect on Physical Activity in Preschool Children.IEEE access : practical innovations, open solutions · 2026Article
- Media Consumption by Preschool Children: The Risk of Autism and Developmental Disorders.Deutsches Arzteblatt international · 2025Review
- Multi-Context Strategies and Opportunities for Increasing Levels of Physical Activity in Children and Young People: A Literature Review.Children (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Review
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Authors and funding
8 authors at 4 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundScreen time and physical activity behaviors undergo development during early childhood and impact mental health. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the associations between physical activity, screen time, and mental health problems (MHP) in preschoolers. This study examines these associations using a large sample size and brief measures.
methodsA multistage cluster stratified sampling method was used to conduct an observational cross-sectional study of 19,015 Chinese preschoolers in 2020. Information on physical activity, and screen time was collected by a self-administered questionnaire; MHP was assessed by the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Logistic regression models were used to obtain the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of preschoolers' MHP associated with screen time, total physical activities, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and outdoor physical activities.
resultsA total of 19,015 participants from the 19,548 recruited population were included in the analyses (missing rate: 2.73%), 52.60% were boys. 64.01%, 57.96%, 35.98%, and 82.64% of preschoolers were reported to meet total physical activities, MVPA, and outdoor activities with screen time recommendations level. The results of multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of preschoolers' MHP for comparisons of different levels of screen time (< 2 h/day, 2-4 h/day,≥4 h/day) show that screen time positively associated with MHP after adjusting for confounders (P < 0.05), but the association was not significant among girls with screen time ≥ 4 h/day. In addition, increased engagement in physical activity was reversely linked to MHP (P < 0.05). A stronger association between MHP and MVPA was observed in boys, however, this association was weakened when the total time spent engaging in MVPA exceeded two hours per day (P < 0.05).
conclusionLess physical activity and more screen time positively relate to MHP, but the relationship differs by type of physical activity, total time, and gender. These findings provide novel insights and evidence supporting for guidelines on physical activity, screen time, and improvement of mental health for preschoolers.
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