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BackgroundThis study aimed to find prevalence of use of smart devices in children aged five years or less and associated factors in KuwaitMethodsA cross-sectional study of 964 parents conducted by distributing a questionnaire. Following the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for the smart devices use in children, our population was divided into two groups (less than 2 years old and 2-5 years old).Results Reported prevalence of use was 53.2% in children less than 2 years old and 86.3% in 2-5 years old. A significantly higher mean age of fathers was seen in children who used smart devices compared to those who did not in both age groups. The use of smart devices in children less than 2 years was significantly associated with Kuwaiti nationality, family income and governorate. In addition, the higher the family income, the more the use of smart devices. The highest use of smart devices was seen in Capital (60%) and Ahmadi (58.3%). While the lowest was seen in Jahra (30%). In both age groups, most of the parents who reported the smart devices use in their children knew that its use at early age might harm their child. ConclusionYoung children use of smart devices is prevalent in Kuwait. Campaigns need to be carried out to increase parents’ knowledge about the potential risks of smart devices on children’s brains and development.

BackgroundCOVID-19 is an infectious disease that was declared as a pandemic and public health emergency in late 2019 and has impacted children's mental health worldwide. This study aimed to assess the general and mental health status of children during different stages of COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify the associated factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study conducted on children aging 3 to 12 years in Kuwait during three different stages of COVID19 pandemic (pre-total curfew, during total curfew, and post-total curfew). The psychological status was assessed using the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria.ResultsOf 2157 children between the age of 3 to 12 years old, 853 (39.5%) reported increased level of aggression, 789 (36.6%) over-crying, 749 (34.7%) sadness, 493 (22.9%) anxiety, 429 (19.9%) anhedonia, 383 (17.8%) confusion, 274 (12.7%) nightmares, 177 (8.2%) avoidance, 174 (8.1%) physical symptoms and 121 (5.6%) bedwetting during the pandemic. General health status was also affected with reported disturbed sleeping pattern (84.6%), altered appetite (50.9%) and weight changes (36.9%), mainly weight gain. Risk factors included being non-national, as well as having lower parental educational level and lower socioeconomic status; while protective factors involved meeting classmates, indoor and outdoor activities, and less screen time.ConclusionsCOVID19 crisis had drastic impact on children's mental and general health, requiring serious action regarding evaluating this generation and intervening accordingly.