Parental perceptions of preschooler screen time and physical activity in Chennai.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In India, preschoolers surpass the proposed one hour of screen time (ST) a day, whereas physical activity (PA) is on the decline and is contributing to childhood obesity. Sensitive periods of psychosocial, cognitive, and neurological development occur during early childhood and are affected by ST and PA. Parenting practices are important, but parental views and practices are not well researched in urban areas like Chennai.

Methods

Phenomenological qualitative research with purposive sampling was undertaken to discuss parents' perceptions of ST and PA in preschool children. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were carried out with 11 mothers of preschool children. Transcripts were coded and thematically analysed.

Results

Two main themes were revealed: p

SUBMITTER: S N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12751655 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature