Outcome Evaluation of Self-Reflection Education and Parent-Child Interaction on Screen Activity in Preschool Children

“Screen-based activity” is inevitable in modern days, more and more young children have become internet addicts, excessive screen-based activity is not only adversely to the mental and physical health, but also influences on children’s sleep quality, psychosocial behavior, as well as their interaction with parents. However, research on the intervention for screen-based activity has been limited. Therefore, the aims of this 3-year grant proposal are: 1). to analyze the correlation of screen-based activity time between parent and preschool children. 2). to develop the parent self-reflection education and parent- child interaction intervention program. 3). to evaluate the immediate and 6-month outcome differences of parent self-reflection and parent- child interaction program on screen-based activity in children. Three stages will be conducted to complete this study. The first stage is a correlation study by using purposive sampling, targeting on children aged 3-6 and their parent. The second stage is to develop an intervention program, and the third stage is an experimental study. Children who used screen-based activity time ³2 hours/day will be recruited. Study subjects will be randomized assigned to experimental or control groups. Experimental group will give parent self-reflection and parent- child interaction program intervention, whereas parent and children in the control group keep usual care. A total of 80 children will be necessary for this study. Data collection will be done before, during, and after the intervention. Outcome measures will include screen-based activity time scale, Sleep Disturbance Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and Parent- Child interaction Scale. Descriptive analysis will be used for comparison between basic characteristics and scale scores. Pearson’s correlation is used to test the correlation of Screen-based activity time between parent and preschool children. GEE (Generalized Estimating Equation) analysis will be conducted to estimate the effects of parent self-reflection education and parent-child interaction program on screen activity time, quality of sleep, psychological behavior, and parent child interaction. The findings will provide empirical evidence for health care providers to improve children’ screen-based activity behavior and their psychological health in the future.