Impact of online social networking on mental health among medical students of LUMHS Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the social networking sites (SNS) usage frequency, usage timing, types of SNS, pattern of SNS usage, duration and its association with depression among the undergraduate university students. Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from October 2016 to March 2017 at Liaquat University of Medical And Health Sciences Jamshoro, Pakistan. Systematic random sampling technique was used with sample size of 212. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Face book Intensity Scales were used. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 21.0. Chi square test was employed to check association between independent and outcome variable depression. Results: 24.4% of the respondents were found to be mildly depressed where as 44.6% were found to be moderately depressed. Moderately severe depressed were found to be 26.3% and 4.7% were found to be severely depressed. Total time spent and the type of SNS used by the students were associated with depression. Conclusion: Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube are most famous websites among young generation. The social media addiction may result in negative and harmful consequences.