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.