Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a period vulnerable to changes in mental status. Poor mental status can lead to episodes of depression and anxiety. Excessive screen time is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety in adolescents. This study aimed to estimate the magnitude of the effect of prolonged screen time on depression and anxiety in adolescents.
Subjects and Method: A meta-analysis was conducted using a PICO research question. Population: Adolescents who use gadgets. Intervention: Staring at screens ≥2 hours. Comparison: Staring at screens <2 hours. Outcome: Depression and anxiety Articles were searched from databases PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords used "screen time" AND "depression" AND "anxiety" AND "adolescent". The inclusion criteria were primary studies with a cross-sectional design, English language, and published from 2011 to 2021. The articles were analyzed using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3.
Results: The meta-analysis included 8 primary studies from the United States, Iran, and China. The total sample was 62,352 adolescents. Screen time ≥2 hours increased the risk of depression (aOR=1.34; 95% CI=1.24 to 1.44; p< 0.001) and anxiety (aOR=1.42; 95% CI=1.31 to 1.53; p<0.001), and they were statistically significant.
Conclusion: Staring at a screen for ≥2 hours increases the risk of depression and anxiety in adolescents and they are statistically significant.
Keywords: screen time, depression, anxiety, adolescent.
Correspondence:
Luthfi Adijaya Laksana. Master’s Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia. Email: laksanaadijaya@gmail.com. Mobile: +6282242479876
Article Data
