DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.192789.1 ISSN: 2046-1402

Daily Device Exposure, Functional Technology Engagement and Physical Activity among Children and Adolescents (Gen Alpha and Gen Z) in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mohammed Sherif, Tamim Dzhakha, Dev Panchal, Animesh Hazari, Praveen Kumar Kandakurti, Ramesh Chandra Patra, Jasmine Kaur Chawla, Mamdouh Gabr
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Background Digital technology may displace movement time but can also support physical activity through exercise instruction, tracking and feedback. Associations may depend on the amount and purpose of use. Objective To examine associations between daily device exposure, functional technology engagement and self-reported physical activity among expatriate children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods This cross-sectional online survey included 200 non-Emirati UAE residents aged 7–19 years, recruited between March and July 2026. Participants comprised two age groups: 7–13 years (n = 100) and 14–19 years (n = 100). Physical activity was estimated using International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) items, with predefined rules for coding free-text responses. Exploratory technology-engagement indices were constructed. Associations were examined using Spearman correlations, non-parametric tests and multivariable regression with HC3 robust standard errors. Total physical activity was calculable for 156 participants. Results Median physical activity was 2,711 MET-min/week (interquartile range [IQR] 1,364–5,086) and was higher among participants aged 14–19 years than those aged 7–13 years (3,569 vs 1,831 MET-min/week; p = 0.016). The Technology Engagement Index (ρ = 0.50) and Functional Technology Engagement Index (FTEI; ρ = 0.53) were positively associated with activity (both p < 0.001). Online exercise learning, perceived technology effects and belief that technology supports activity were also positively associated (ρ = 0.46–0.50; all p < 0.001). Device exposure was not significantly correlated with activity (ρ = −0.13, p = 0.102), although activity differed across exposure categories (H = 18.14, p < 0.001), with lower activity among those reporting over 7 hours/day. Regression indicated a positive FTEI association with log-transformed activity (β = 0.022, 95% CI 0.014–0.029; p < 0.001); the inverse device-exposure association was borderline (β = −0.184, 95% CI −0.369–0.000; p = 0.050). The regression sample size requires verification. Conclusion Activity-oriented technology engagement was associated with higher self-reported physical activity, whereas total device exposure showed less consistent associations. Findings do not establish causality and warrant cautious interpretation given the use of IPAQ-SF in younger children and exploratory technology indices. Trail Registration Status- Not Applicable.

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