Behavioural Effects of Excessive Screen Time amongst University of Abuja Medical Undergraduates

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate perceived screen time exposure and associated health risks among University of Abuja medical undergraduates. Study Design: Mcross-sectional self-reporting survey. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria. Study took place between October & November 2025. Methodology: 450 participants categorised according to reported daily ST into ≤3-hour ST, 4 to 6-hour ST, and ≥7-hour ST groups, were administered questionnaires containing structured/semi-structured questions about their demographics, general and digital/electronic screen-based behaviours and effects. Valid responses were collated and analysed using Microsoft office excel. Findings were presented in numbers, percentages, and figures. Results: 342 valid respondents 61.4% male, 38% female) were aged 18 to 35 years. 14.9%, 40.1%, and 45.0% of the respondents reported daily ST exposure of ≤3, 4-6, and ≥7 hours, respectively. While only 11.8% of the ≤3-hour; 40.1% of the 4 to 6-hour; and 54.5% of the ≥7-hour ST groups frequently engaged in pre-bedtime digital device use. 14.0% of the ≤3-hour, 22.7% of the 4 to 6- hour, and 42.2% of the ≥7-hour ST groups had frequent night sleep disruptions. 62.7% of the least, 26.3% of the medium and only 8% of the highest ST-exposed respondents reported an average ≥7-hour night sleep daily. While only ≈ 8.0% of the ≤3-hour ST respondents self-reported mild sleep disturbances, >16.0% of the 4 to 6- hour ST participants reported sleep disturbances, headache, eye ache, and dizzy spells most of which were relieved without treatments or with acetaminophen/aspirin brands, and 60.4% of the ≥7-hour ST group reported several neuropsychological symptoms relieved mainly by food/drug sleep aids, including acetaminophen/aspirin brands, chlorpheniramine, and/or diazepam. Discussion/Conclusion: This study shows although excessive screen time exposure is prevalent among University of Abuja medical students, health and substance use risks are more associated with EST. There is a need to enact policies to downscale ST exposure in our medical educational system.