Anxiety and depression in adolescents linked to electronic device use during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among adolescent students in the West Bank region of Palestine, focusing on the effect of using electronic devices on their mental health. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,140 adolescents. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, electronic device use, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. To explore the independent association between anxiety and depression and numerous independent characteristics, we computed odds ratios (O.R.s) and their 95% confidence intervals (C.I.s) using a binary logistic regression model. Results: The prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety was 35.4% [95%CI: 32.7-38.3%], and moderate to severe depression was 23.9% [95%CI: 21.4 -26.4%]. Anxiety scores were found to be significantly higher among females [OR=3.8, 95%CI: 2.5-5.9], those with lower academic performance [OR=3.4, 95%CI: 2.1-5.4], and smokers [OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.1-3.0]. Similarly, significantly higher depressive scores were found among females [OR=2.0, 95%CI: 1.3-3.1], those with lower academic performance [OR=3.4, 95%CI: 2.1-5.4], and smokers [OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.3-2.8]. On the other hand, students who used electronic devices for a shorter period were less likely to be depressed [OR=.49 (95%CI: .32-.76] or anxious [OR=.47, 95%CI: .32-.69]. Conclusion: Concerning the high prevalence of anxiety and depression among adolescents and their correlation with the duration of electronic device use, we advocate the development of guidelines for device use duration used to prevent mental health consequences in this crucial age group.