Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society

Year 2019, Volume 31, Issue 1, Pages 23-29

https://doi.org/10.26715/jbms.2019.1_10032019

Original Article

Screen-Based Media Use Among Children of Working Mothers and Homemakers

Ahmed Malallah Al-Ansari*1 , A. Rahman J. Al-Tourah2

Author Affiliation

1 Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Road 2904 Building 293 Manama, 329, Bahrain.

2 Medical Student, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Road 2904 Building 293 Manama, 329, Bahrain.

*Corresponding author:

Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Road 2904 Building 293 Manama, 329, Bahrain, Mobile: 00973 – 39459043, Fax: 00973 – 17686022, Email: Aansari@health.gov.bh

Received date: January 07, 2019; Accepted date: March 10, 2019; Published date: March 31, 2019


Abstract

Background and objectives: In recent times, use of screen-based media (SBM) has increased due to the growing availability of screen-based electronic devices in everyday life. The aim of the study is to evaluate the use of SBM among children of working mothers in comparison to homemakers.

Methods: The present cross-sectional study involved 200 children to study the SBM usage. The children were divided into two equal groups: group 1 included working mothers (n=100) and group 2 included homemakers (n=100). The data, including the type of SBM, the duration, and each child’s reaction to the devices being withheld were obtained by direct interview through a predesigned form.

Results: The children from both groups reported use of SBM greater than that which is recommended internationally for their age (>2 hours/day; P=0.014). Children of working mothers who use videogames/ smartphones reacted in a more violent and irritable manner to removal of SBM device than the children of the homemakers (P=0.001). However, the children of homemakers used television significantly more than the children of the working mothers (P=0.006).

Conclusion: Children of working women tend to use SBM, probably overuse the social media, in comparison to children of homemakers. Children of both, working mothers and homemakers spent time that exceeded the recommended two hours per day rule by the American Pediatric Association SBM use guidelines. Future research should focus on SBM parental strategies and their SBM use.

Keywords: Bahrain, homemaker, overuse, screen-based media, working mother