Peer-reviewed article

Barriers to Reducing Children's Screen Time and Associated Factors Among Mothers of Under-Five Children in Woliso City Administration, Oromia Ethiopia: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Ababo Demeke, Wubishet Gezimu · 8 Oct 2026

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Screen time (ST) is the time spent using screen-based devices and has become a global health concern. Excessive ST negatively impacts children's health and development; however, it has been increasing dramatically among young children. Parents are the primary caregivers responsible for monitoring children's ST. Therefore, identifying potential barriers and their attributes is fundamental to taking early action. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess barriers to reducing excessive ST and the factors associated with these barriers among mothers of under-five children in Woliso City Administration, Central Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 10, 2024, through February 29, 2024. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 423 mothers of under-five children. EpiData (version 3.1) was used for data entry, and SPSS (version 20) was used for analysis. Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with barriers to reducing ST. The multiple linear regression assumptions were checked, and statistical significance was declared at P<.05 with 95% CIs. RESULTS: A total of 423 participants were involved in this study (a 100% response rate). The mean score of barriers among mothers was 4.28 (SD 1.04). Educational status of the mother (β=-0.130, 95% CI -0.255 to -0.004), child's ST (β=0.369, 95% CI 0.328-0.409), parental attitude (β=-0.382, 95% CI 0.264-0.499), parental perceptions of the effect of ST on cognitive well-being (β=0.021, 95% CI 0.009-0.034), parental restrictive practices regarding ST (β=-0.011, 95% CI -0.004 to -0.018), and availability of public facilities (β=0.849, 95% CI 0.759-0.940) were shown to have a significant association with parental barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Most mothers of under-five children experienced 4 barriers to reducing ST. The study also identified 6 factors associated with barriers to reducing ST, including level of education, attitudes toward ST, restrictive practices, perceptions of cognitive effects, children's ST, and lack of public facilities. Enhancing access to public spaces, implementing educational programs, and developing community initiatives are recommended to overcome these barriers and support healthy screen habits.