Excessive use of electronic devices among children and adolescents is associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life: a cross-sectional study

Data availability statement: The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.Supplementary material: The Supplementary material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1178769/full#supplementary-materialCopyright © 2023 Tsang, Cheing, Lam, Siu, Pang, Yip, Chan and Jensen. Objective: Electronic devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. The frequency and duration of device use in children and adolescents have increased drastically over the years and the study of its negative musculoskeletal, visual and psychosocial health impacts is necessary. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the associations between electronic device use and the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life in children and adolescents studying at primary and secondary schools. Data were collected through confidential online and paper-and-pencil questionnaires. Primary 4–5 and Secondary 1–4 students were recruited from 3 schools in Hong Kong. Demographics, frequency and duration of electronic device use, frequencies of musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life outcomes were measured. Results: 1,058 children and adolescents aged 9–17  years participated. Sixty-one percent and 78% of all students spent more than 2  h per day using electronic devices during school days and weekend/holidays, respectively. Extended electronic device use was associated with increased prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms (ρ’s = 0.28–0.33, P’s < 0.001), visual symptoms (ρ’s = 0.33–0.35, P’s < 0.001), and poorer device use-related psychosocial health (ρ’s = 0.38–0.47, P’s < 0.001). Secondary school students reported greater device use and severity of symptoms than primary school students. Conclusion: Excessive electronic device use was associated with increased prevalence and severity of physical and psychosocial symptoms, and such use is more prevalent in adolescents when compared to the children. The findings have important health implications for children and adolescents, suggesting that early intervention is needed to reduce the risk of developing device use-related disorders.This research was supported by Health and Medical Research Fund, Health Bureau of Hong Kong (project number.: 02180348)

Effect of dichoptic video game treatment on mild amblyopia - a pilot study

202011 bcrcVersion of RecordPublishe

Blending community service and teaching to open vision care and eye health awareness to university students

202106 bcrcVersion of RecordSelf-fundedPublishe

Adherence to home-based videogame treatment for amblyopia in children and adults

202205 bcfcAccepted ManuscriptRGCOthersHealth Research Council of New ZealandPublishe

Effectiveness of a binocular video game vs placebo video game for improving visual functions in older children, teenagers, and adults with amblyopia : a randomized clinical trial

2017-2018 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journal201808 bcrcNot applicableRGCOthersHealth Research Council of New Zealand and gran