Table 3

Associations between electronic media use at 18 months and 5 years of age with psychosocial well-being at age 5 years

CrudeAdjusted 1*Adjusted 2†
OR95% CIP valueOR95% CIP valueOR95% CIP value
Screen time: 18 months of age
FTF
 Attention and concentration difficulties1.460.96 to 2.220.071.500.97 to 2.310.071.410.89 to 2.220.14
 Hyperactivity and impulsivity1.160.76 to 1.770.501.160.75 to 1.810.501.140.72 to 1.800.59
 Emotional/internalising symptoms1.190.76 to 1.880.451.150.72 to 1.850.551.130.69 to 1.860.62
 Emotional/externalising symptoms1.030.66 to 1.600.911.040.65 to 1.650.881.060.65 to 1.720.82
SDQ
 Hyperactivity1.490.98 to 2.260.061.370.89 to 2.120.151.370.87 to 2.180.18
 Emotional problems1.360.86 to 2.170.191.380.85 to 2.230.191.470.88 to 2.450.14
 Conduct problems1.240.84 to 1.840.281.260.84 to 1.900.271.230.80 to 1.900.35
 Peer problems 1.59 1.04 to 2.41 0.03 1.64 1.06 to 2.52 0.03 1.560.98 to 2.460.06
Total screen time: 5 years of age
FTF
 Attention and concentration difficulties 1.88 1.27 to 2.80 <0.01 1.450.92 to 2.280.111.570.97 to 2.530.07
 Hyperactivity and impulsivity 1.57 1.06 to 2.33 0.03 1.330.85 to 2.120.221.310.81 to 2.130.28
 Emotional/internalising symptoms 1.75 1.15 to 2.65 0.01 1.84 1.14 to 2.97 0.01 2.01 1.21 to 3.34 0.01
 Emotional/externalising symptoms 1.69 1.12 to 2.55 0.01 1.390.87 to 2.230.171.540.94 to 2.520.09
SDQ
 Hyperactivity 2.18 1.49 to 3.20 <0.01 1.60 1.02 to 2.49 0.04 1.550.97 to 2.480.07
 Emotional problems0.990.62 to 1.560.950.980.58 to 1.660.940.900.49 to 1.610.70
 Conduct problems 1.53 1.05 to 2.21 0.03 1.240.81 to 1.910.321.060.67 to 1.670.80
 Peer problems1.060.71 to 1.600.770.900.56 to 1.450.670.850.51 to 1.420.53
  • Bold indicates statistical significance at p<0.05.

  • *Adjusted for age, gender, maternal education. Total screen time at 5 years of age; also adjusted for screen time at 18 months of age.

  • †Adjusted for age, gender, maternal education, number of siblings, and daycare participation. Total screen time at 5 years of age; also adjusted for screen time at 18 months of age.

  • FTF, Five-to-Fifteen Questionnaire; SDQ, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.