In the digital age, screen time has become an integral part of daily life, encompassing activities such as work, education, entertainment, and social interaction. While the benefits of digital technology are undeniable, excessive screen use has raised significant health concerns. Prolonged screen time is associated with a range of adverse health effects, including eye strain, sleep disturbances, physical inactivity, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Addressing these concerns requires a comprehensive understanding of public awareness and knowledge about the potential health impacts of excessive screen use.^1-5

Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, offers a unique setting to explore the community’s awareness and perceptions of screen time. The district's diverse population, which includes both urban and rural areas, provides a broad perspective on how screen time is managed and perceived across different demographics. Given the increasing penetration of digital technology in everyday life, it is crucial to assess the level of knowledge about healthy screen habits and the potential risks of excessive use.

The primary objective of this study was to gauge awareness and knowledge about screen time among the general public in District Shimla. By identifying gaps in awareness and common misconceptions, this research aimed to inform public health initiatives and educational programs designed to promote healthy screen use. Understanding the community’s perception of screen time is essential for developing targeted interventions that can mitigate the negative health impacts associated with prolonged screen exposure.

In the context of rising screen time and its associated health risks, this study was both timely and necessary. It sought to provide valuable insights into the current state of screen time awareness among Shimla’s residents, thereby informing future health policies and community-based programs. The findings from this research were intended to support efforts in fostering a more health-conscious community that is equipped with the knowledge and strategies to manage screen time effectively.

Through this research, we aimed to contribute to the broader effort of promoting healthy lifestyle habits in the digital age. By highlighting the importance of balanced screen use and identifying key areas for intervention, this study aspired to enhance public health outcomes and improve the quality of life for the residents of Shimla. The insights gained would serve as a foundation for sustainable health promotion strategies tailored to the unique needs and cultural context of this region.

The primary objective is to gauge awareness and knowledge about  Screen Time among general public of District Shimla ,Himachal Pradesh. 

• Research Approach -Descriptive

• Research Design- Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area: District Shimla , Himachal Pradesh

• Study duration- between January  2024 to May 2024

• Study population: The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Shimla Himachal Pradesh 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, 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 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- 

1. Demographic data survey instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education and many more.

2. Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding Screen Time. 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 Shimla 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 study conducted in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge regarding screen time and its health impacts among the general public. Data was collected from a sample of 400 adults using a structured questionnaire. The results are summarized in three tables: Socio-Demographic Variables, Knowledge Regarding Screen Time, and Overall Knowledge Score Categories.

Table 1 outlines the socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants. The age distribution shows that 30% of participants were aged 18-30 years, 24.5% were 31-40 years, 23.8% were 41-50 years, and 21.8% were over 50 years old. Gender distribution revealed that 45.5% were male and 54.5% were female respondents. Regarding marital status, 40.5% of the participants were single, 54.5% were married, and 5% fell into other categories.

Religious affiliation was predominantly Hindu (85.3%), followed by Muslims (4.8%), Sikhs (7%), and others (3%). Employment status indicated that 44.8% of participants were employed, 25.8% were unemployed, and 29.5% were students. Educational attainment varied, with 20% having education below high school, 30.8% completing high school, 34.5% being graduates, and 14.8% having postgraduate or higher qualifications.

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Variables of the Study Population (N=400)

Table 2 highlights the participants' knowledge about screen time and its associated health impacts. A substantial 76.3% of respondents were knowledgeable about recommended screen time, while 73.8% were aware of eye strain caused by excessive screen use. Understanding of the blue light impact on sleep was noted in 70.5% of participants, and 65% had knowledge about the risks of physical inactivity due to prolonged screen time.

Awareness of mental health issues related to screen time was present in 68.8%, and 77.5% understood the need for taking regular screen breaks. Knowledge about ergonomic practices was reported by 62.5%, while 72.5% were aware of the importance of digital detox. Understanding of screen time's impact on children was known by 70%, and 67% had knowledge about the relationship between screen use and productivity.

Physical activity's role in offsetting screen time effects was recognized by 63.8%, while 61.3% were aware of the reduction in social interactions due to excessive screen use. Awareness of sleep hygiene practices was reported by 69.5%, and 65.5% understood the use of blue light filters. Knowledge of posture-related issues was present in 62%, while 58.8% were aware of screen time tracking tools.

Understanding of screen time guidelines for children was noted in 66.3% of participants, and 67.5% were knowledgeable about strategies to reduce screen time. Awareness of digital eye strain prevention was reported by 65%, and 72.5% understood the need for outdoor activities to balance screen use.

Table 2: Knowledge Regarding Screen Time (N=400)

Table 3 categorizes the overall knowledge scores of the participants. Based on their scores, 26% of participants fell into the "Very Good" category (16-20 points), demonstrating a high level of knowledge. The majority, 37%, were classified as having "Good" knowledge (12-15 points). Those with "Fair" knowledge (8-11 points) comprised 24.3% of the respondents, while 12.8% had "Poor" knowledge, scoring below 8 points.

Table 3: Overall Knowledge Score Categories

These results indicate that while a significant portion of the population in Shimla has a good understanding of the health impacts of screen time, there are still areas with notable knowledge gaps. Addressing these gaps through targeted educational programs and public health initiatives could enhance awareness and management of screen time, ultimately improving health outcomes in the region.

The study conducted in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, reveals crucial insights into the community’s awareness and knowledge regarding screen time and its associated health impacts. The findings underscore the mixed level of understanding among residents, highlighting both strengths and areas requiring intervention. This discussion elaborates on these findings, comparing them with existing literature and suggesting potential public health strategies.

The socio-demographic analysis of the study population shows a diverse representation across age, gender, marital status, religion, employment, and education. The age distribution reflects a balanced mix of young adults, middle-aged individuals, and older adults, providing a comprehensive overview of screen time awareness across different life stages. The gender distribution indicates a slightly higher participation of females (54.5%), which aligns with similar community-based studies where female respondents often show higher engagement in survey participation . The predominance of Hindu participants (85.3%) is consistent with the religious demographics of Shimla, enhancing the representativeness of the sample.

The awareness and knowledge assessment reveal that a substantial portion of the population (76.3%) is knowledgeable about recommended screen time, indicating a generally good awareness level. This finding is encouraging as it suggests that public health messages regarding screen time guidelines are reaching a significant part of the population. However, specific areas such as the use of screen time tracking tools (58.8%) and ergonomic practices (62.5%) show lower awareness, pointing to the need for targeted educational interventions.^5,6

The awareness of eye strain (73.8%) and the impact of blue light on sleep (70.5%) among respondents suggests a moderate level of understanding of the immediate physical effects of excessive screen use. This aligns with studies indicating a growing public recognition of digital eye strain and its symptoms . However, awareness of physical inactivity risks (65%) and mental health issues (68.8%) indicates that more effort is needed to emphasize the broader health impacts of prolonged screen use. The moderate understanding of mental health implications is particularly concerning given the rising incidence of screen-related anxiety and depression, as highlighted in recent research .^6-8

The high awareness of the need for regular screen breaks (77.5%) and digital detox (72.5%) is a positive outcome, reflecting successful dissemination of these critical health practices. These practices are essential for mitigating the adverse effects of prolonged screen exposure, and their widespread recognition among Shimla residents is a promising sign for public health efforts. However, translating this awareness into consistent behavior remains a challenge that future interventions must address.^8,9

Understanding the impact of screen time on children (70%) and social interactions (61.3%) suggests a significant awareness of the broader social and developmental implications of excessive screen use. This awareness is crucial for guiding parental practices and fostering healthier screen habits among younger populations. However, the lower awareness of social interaction reduction highlights a gap that could be bridged by emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions in maintaining mental and emotional well-being .^10,11

The categorization of overall knowledge scores indicates that while a majority of participants (63%) have a "Good" to "Very Good" understanding of screen time impacts, a notable 36.3% fall into the "Fair" or "Poor" categories. This distribution underscores the need for continued public health efforts to elevate the overall knowledge level. Targeted educational programs focusing on less understood areas such as posture-related issues (62%) and screen time tracking tools (58.8%) could significantly enhance community awareness.

Public Health Implications^10-12

The findings of this study have important implications for public health strategies in Shimla. The high awareness of certain health impacts of screen time provides a strong foundation upon which to build further educational initiatives. Public health campaigns should leverage this existing awareness to promote comprehensive understanding and behavior change. Specific strategies could include:

• Enhanced Education Campaigns: Targeting areas with lower awareness such as ergonomic practices and screen time tracking tools through workshops, online resources, and community events.

• Parental Guidance Programs: Offering resources and support to parents on managing children's screen time effectively, emphasizing the developmental impacts of excessive use.

• Mental Health Integration: Incorporating information on the mental health impacts of screen time into existing mental health programs to provide a holistic approach to digital wellness.

Promotion of Physical Activity: Encouraging physical activity as a counterbalance to screen time through community fitness programs and public awareness campaigns.

In conclusion, while the residents of District Shimla exhibit a good understanding of many aspects of screen time and its health impacts, there remain significant gaps that need to be addressed. By focusing on these areas and implementing targeted public health strategies, it is possible to foster a more informed and health-conscious community. The insights gained from this study provide a valuable foundation for developing effective interventions aimed at promoting balanced and healthy screen use in the digital age.

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