Physical and Non-Physical Health Issues Related to Excessive Screen Time among University Students

M. Zahid¹ , R.F. Saeed² , E. Monis³ , A.S. Qazi⁴

Section:Research Paper, Product Type: Journal-Paper
Vol.6 , Issue.9 , pp.10-16, Sep-2020

Online published on Sep 30, 2020

Copyright © M. Zahid, R.F. Saeed, E. Monis, A.S. Qazi . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 

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Abstract :
Greater accessibility of digital devices influences the youngsters to pass their leisure time using gadgets for entertainment, which momentously increases their screen time. Excessive screen time is an established issue of public health concern as it is connected with many physical, social and mental health issues. The objective was to study the physical and non-physical health issues related to excessive screen time. Data was collected from 384 students by conducting an online survey via Google Survey Form, the link of which was sent to students of randomly selected universities. Study questionnaire was divided into four portions: a. Sociodemographic data; b. Questions about gadget screen usage; c. Questions regarding physical health issues; d. Questions related to non-physical health issues. There were 172 (44.8%) males and 212 (55.2%) female students in the study group (age range 18-30). Univariate analysis showed that the screen time is significantly associated with physical, non-physical (social and emotional) wellness issues including neck stiffness/pain, wrist stiffness/pain, backache, headache, muscle fatigue, social isolation, low self-esteem and sleep deprivation. It is concluded that physical and non-physical health issues were quite prevalent among students, and are directly linked to excessive screen time.

Key-Words / Index Term :
Digital technology, Musculoskeletal disorders, Physical and non-physical health issues, Screen time, Students Component

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