The Digital Dilemma: Patterns of Screen Time, Sleep Quality, and Mental Health Among Saudi University Students
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Excessive screen time, particularly before bed, is linked to increased anxiety and depression symptoms in Saudi university students. This highlights the need for digital wellness programs in higher education.
Area Of Science
- Digital Health
- Mental Health
- Higher Education
Background
- Digital transformation in Saudi higher education coincides with rising student mental health concerns.
- University students face increasing mental health challenges.
- Screen time and sleep quality are potential contributing factors.
Purpose Of The Study
- To examine the relationship between screen time patterns, sleep quality, and mental health outcomes.
- To investigate these associations among health sciences students in Saudi Arabia.
Main Methods
- Cross-sectional study of 102 university students at Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University.
- Online questionnaire assessing screen time, sleep, anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and stress (PSS-10).
Main Results
- Average daily smartphone use was 5.2 hours; social media and academic activities were primary uses.
- 40.2% experienced clinically significant anxiety, and 30.4% had moderate to severe depressive symptoms.
- Excessive social media use (3-4 hours/day) and pre-bedtime screen exposure (>1 hour) were significantly associated with anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties.
Conclusions
- Excessive screen time, especially in the evening, is linked to significant mental health symptoms in Saudi university students.
- Findings suggest a need for digital wellness interventions and institutional support programs.
- Results should be interpreted cautiously due to study limitations.
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