Title : Prevalence and factors associated with the use of electronic devices among adolescents: A cross-sectional study
Abstract:
Introduction:
In recent decades, the problem of electronic device (e-device) use has been characterized by poorly controlled impulses or addictive behaviors regarding excessive e-device use and internet access, which leads to impairment or distress. Accessibility to e-devices is nearly universal. Despite this, various challenges relate to problematic e-device use, which remains underrecognized by stakeholders, especially in low-income countries, including Jordan. Therefore, the study aims to assess the prevalence of e-devices, examine whether electronic use time (duration) predicts psychological scores and perceived social support among adolescents, and identify strategies for managing e-device dependency among adolescents.
Design:
A cross-sectional descriptive study of a multiple-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select 485 adolescents. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires about the time spent on e-device use, depression, anxiety, stress, and perceived social support using the DASS-21, and MSPSS, respectively, by using SPSS version 22.
Results:
Almost all subjects who use e-devices reported using e-devices for five hours/day. About 20.2%, 37.9%, and 17% of the subjects had mild to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and moderate stress levels, respectively, and psychological impairment was more higher in females, while the family was the primary source of social support. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were adapted, considering the influence of time spent on e-devices as an independent variable and the associated factors as the dependent variable. The first regression model examined whether e-device use time predicted psychological scores while controlling other variables, which indicated that the duration of using e-device was a significant predictor. Increased duration of using e-devices was associated with poor psychological status scores. The model explained only about 20% of the variance of the dependent variable. Also, the second regression model was significant and indicated that e-devices use of time predicted perceived social support scores from only family. The variables in the model explained only about 23% of the variance of the dependent variable.
Conclusion:
This study revealed a high prevalence of e-device use among adolescents, and various factors were associated with the increased prevalence of e-device dependency. Therefore, the students need to identify strategies for managing healthy practices of e-device use among adolescents.
Keywords: Electronic devices, Adolescents, Psychological distress, Perceived Social Support
