Smart Device Use and Perceived Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes among Hong Kong Adolescents.

Stephen Kwok,Regina Lee,Paul Lee

doi:10.3390/ijerph14020205

Stephen Kwok, Regina Lee + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14020205

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Abstract

Excessive electronic screen-based activities have been found to be associated with negative outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalences and patterns of smart device activities and the purposes and perceived outcomes related to smart device use, and the differences in patterns of smart device activities between adolescents who did and did not perceive these outcomes. The study was a cross-sectional survey of Hong Kong primary and secondary school students. Demographic characteristics, purpose and pattern of the activities, and frequencies of the outcomes were measured. Data from 960 adolescents aged 10–19 were analyzed. Nearly 86% of the sample use smart device daily. The one-week prevalence of perceived sleep deprivation, eye discomfort, musculoskeletal discomfort, family conflict and cyberbullying victimization related to smart device use were nearly 50%, 45%, 40%, 20% and 5% respectively. More than 25% of the respondents were at risk of negative outcomes related to smart device activities for more than 1 h per day, browsing and gaming on at least 4 days per week and watching TV/movies and posting on more than 2 days per week. Their patterns of smart device activities may put a significant number of them at risk of negative outcomes.

Highlights

Use of handheld smart devices such as smartphones and tablet computers is prevalent globally.The smartphone ownership rate has been increasing rapidly in recent years [1]
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and patterns of smart device activities and purposes and perceived outcomes related to smart device use, and the differences in patterns of smart device activities between adolescents who did and did not perceive the outcomes
To examine the prevalence and frequency of perceived outcomes related to smart device use

Summary

Introduction

Use of handheld smart devices such as smartphones and tablet computers is prevalent globally. The smartphone ownership rate has been increasing rapidly in recent years [1]. In The Netherlands, the rate is around 70% in the general population and over 90% in adolescents [2]. In Switzerland, the rate in adolescents increased from around 50% to nearly 80% from 2010 to 2012 [3]. In Germany, the rate among adolescents increased from around 25% to over 70% from 2011 to 2013 [4]. In the United States, the rate in the general population increased from 35% to 56% from 2011 to 2013 [5]

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