Previously submitted to: Journal of Medical Internet Research (no longer under consideration since Jul 23, 2023)
Date Submitted: Aug 8, 2022
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Adolescent use of electronic devices is associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health and quality of life: a cross-sectional study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Electronic devices such as computers, smartphones and tablets has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. The frequency and duration of device use in adolescents have increased drastically over the years and the study of its negative musculoskeletal, visual and psychosocial health impacts is necessary.
Objective:
This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the associations between electronic device use and the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life in adolescents studying at primary and secondary schools.
Methods:
Data were collected through confidential online and paper-and-pencil questionnaires. Primary 4-5 and Secondary 1-4 students were recruited from 3 schools in Hong Kong. Demographics, frequency and duration of electronic device use, frequencies of musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life outcomes were measured.
Results:
1,058 adolescents aged 9-17 years participated. Sixty-one percent and 78% of all students spent more than 2 hours per day using electronic devices during school days and weekend/holidays, respectively. Extended electronic device use was associated with increased prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms (ρ’s=.28-.33, P’s<.001), visual symptoms (ρ’s=.33-.35, P’s<.001), and poorer device use-related psychosocial health (ρ’s=.38-.47, P’s<.001). Secondary school students reported greater device use and severity of symptoms than primary school students.
Conclusions:
Excessive electronic device use was associated with increased prevalence and severity of physical and psychosocial symptoms, and such use is more prevalent in older adolescents. The findings have important health implications for adolescents, suggesting that early intervention is needed to reduce the risk of developing device use-related disorders. Clinical Trial: Not applicable.
Citation
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