Abstract
Title: The Effects of Excessive Use of Electronic Devices on Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Vision, Psychosocial Health, and Activities of Children and Adolescents in Hong Kong.
Background: The excessive use of electronic devices among young people has become a public health concern in recent years. This survey examined the association between excessive device use and its effects on musculoskeletal symptoms, vision, psychosocial health, and engagement in daily activities.
Method: This cross-sectional survey used both online and paper forms to collect data from primary and secondary school students. The data collected include basic demographic profile, frequency and duration of electronic device use, musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and their time use in daily activities.
Results: 1,058 children aged 9–17 years participated. Sixty-one percent of the participants spent more than 2 hours per day using electronic devices during school days, and the percentage increased to 78% on weekends or during holidays. Excessive electronic device use was associated with increased prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms (ρ’s = 0.28–0.33, P’s < 0.001), visual symptoms (ρ’s = 0.33–0.35, P’s < 0.001), and poorer psychosocial health (ρ’s = 0.38–0.47, P’s < 0.001). Secondary school students reported greater device use and higher 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 the symptoms are more prevalent in older than younger children. The findings suggest that early identification and intervention is needed to manage the risk of developing problematic internet use or gaming disorders. We shared the study results with young people and parents in school-based workshops and encourage them to participate in primary care or intervention programmes if needed.
Keywords: Excessive electronic use, health effects, symptoms
Background: The excessive use of electronic devices among young people has become a public health concern in recent years. This survey examined the association between excessive device use and its effects on musculoskeletal symptoms, vision, psychosocial health, and engagement in daily activities.
Method: This cross-sectional survey used both online and paper forms to collect data from primary and secondary school students. The data collected include basic demographic profile, frequency and duration of electronic device use, musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and their time use in daily activities.
Results: 1,058 children aged 9–17 years participated. Sixty-one percent of the participants spent more than 2 hours per day using electronic devices during school days, and the percentage increased to 78% on weekends or during holidays. Excessive electronic device use was associated with increased prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms (ρ’s = 0.28–0.33, P’s < 0.001), visual symptoms (ρ’s = 0.33–0.35, P’s < 0.001), and poorer psychosocial health (ρ’s = 0.38–0.47, P’s < 0.001). Secondary school students reported greater device use and higher 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 the symptoms are more prevalent in older than younger children. The findings suggest that early identification and intervention is needed to manage the risk of developing problematic internet use or gaming disorders. We shared the study results with young people and parents in school-based workshops and encourage them to participate in primary care or intervention programmes if needed.
Keywords: Excessive electronic use, health effects, symptoms
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 8 Jul 2024 |
| Event | 9th International Conference on Behavioural Addictions 2024 - Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar Duration: 8 Jul 2024 → 10 Jul 2024 https://icba.elte.hu/2024/ |
Competition
| Competition | 9th International Conference on Behavioural Addictions 2024 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | ICBA 2024 |
| Country/Territory | Gibraltar |
| City | Gibraltar |
| Period | 8/07/24 → 10/07/24 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Excessive electronic use
- Health effects
- Symptoms