A Cross-Sectional Study on Impact and Relationship between Screen Time and Academic Productivity among Medical Students in University of Ilorin

Authors

  • O. T. Ojo-Rowland Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • T. G. Oyewopo Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • O. A. Ekunnrin Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • O. V. Salawu Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • H. K. Adetokunbo Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • V. A. Malomo Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • G. K. Osborn Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • O. O. Owolabi Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • T. O. Yusuf Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • H. Ibrahim Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • G. D. Nwankwor Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • A. A. Abdulaziz Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • S. G. Adeoti Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • O. C. Orenaike Ilorin University Medical Student Association, Research Journal Club, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria and Faculty of Clinical sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14738/bjhr.1301.19941

Keywords:

Digital screen time, Excessive screen use, Academic productivity, Medical students, Smartphone use, University of Ilorin

Abstract

The increasing integration of digital technologies into higher education has led to a substantial rise in digital screen time among university students, particularly those in demanding academic programs such as medicine. This study assessed the pattern and association between digital screen time and academic productivity among medical students at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. An institutional based descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 360 medical students selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, screen time exposure, purposes of screen use, academic productivity, and perceived academic impact. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The findings revealed a high prevalence of excessive screen time (73.1%), with over two-thirds of respondents (58.1%) engaging in prolonged daily screen exposure, predominantly during nighttime and before bedtime. Smartphones were the most commonly used devices, mainly for academic activities, social media, and communication. Most respondents demonstrated moderate academic productivity, while a smaller proportion showed high productivity. A significant association was identified between screen time exposure and academic productivity, and regression analysis indicated that average daily screen time was a significant predictor of productivity, although the overall explanatory power of the model was minimal These findings suggest that while excessive screen time is widespread among medical students, its impact on academic productivity is complex and influenced by the purpose and pattern of use. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions that promote balanced and purposeful digital engagement to optimize academic outcomes among medical students.

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Published

2026-02-17

How to Cite

Ojo-Rowland, O. T., Oyewopo, T. G., Ekunnrin, O. A., Salawu, O. V., Adetokunbo, H. K., Malomo, V. A., … Orenaike, O. C. (2026). A Cross-Sectional Study on Impact and Relationship between Screen Time and Academic Productivity among Medical Students in University of Ilorin. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, 13(01), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.14738/bjhr.1301.19941

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 01 (2026): British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research

Section

Original Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Ojo-Rowland, O. T., Adeoti, S. G., Abdulaziz, A. A., Nwankwor, G. D., Ibrahim, H., Yusuf, T. O., Owolabi, O. O., Osborn, G. K., Malomo, V. A., Adetokunbo, H. K., Salawu, O. V., Ekunnrin, O. A., Oyewopo, T. G., Orenaike, O. C.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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