Digital device usage and its association with health among Mongolian adolescents

The American Academy of Pediatrics and an editorial in The Lancet encouraged further comprehensive research on digital media's impact on adolescent health. Given the lack of previous research on this topic in Mongolia, this study investigates the associations between digital device usage and health among adolescents in Mongolia.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in secondary schools using Google Forms, with data collected from January to February 2024. The analysis included 558 consenting participants (aged 11-17 years; 69.8% female). Self-reported daily usage was categorised as low (0-3 hours), moderate (4-6) or prolonged (≥7). Health measures included physical health (glasses use, eye dryness or redness, headaches) and mental/emotional health (sleep difficulties, anxiety, stress, happiness). Adjusted ORs were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models.

Prolonged usage (vs low) was associated with higher odds of glasses use (OR, 3.03; 95% CI 1.48 to 6.22), eye dryness or redness (OR, 2.09; 95% CI 1.40 to 3.14), headaches (OR, 2.27; 95% CI 1.10 to 4.87), sleep difficulties (OR, 5.09; 95% CI 2.29 to 11.28) and happiness during use (OR, 4.70; 95% CI 1.84 to 14.61). Parental control and self-awareness were associated with reduced prolonged usage. Regular exercise was associated with fewer headaches for moderate users but not for prolonged users. Both prolonged and moderate usage for entertainment or socialising purposes was associated with greater happiness compared with low usage, with no significant difference between prolonged and moderate usage. No such association was observed for e-learning or other purposes.

Prolonged digital device usage was associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes among Mongolian adolescents, though it may enhance happiness in specific contexts. Exercise was associated with fewer headaches, but only for moderate users. Families and schools should collaborate to implement parental controls, promote self-awareness and encourage exercise.