The increase in time spent watching entertainment on a screen before and during the pandemic has been associated with a boost in anxiety scores.
According to a new research led by investigators of the Sainte-James School of Medicine, an increase in screen time among young adults during the Pandemic of Covid-19 can be correlated with an increase in distress related to the pandemic.
The conclusions of the study were discussed at the World Microbe Forum meeting. The increase in time spent watching entertainment on a screen before and during the pandemic has been associated with a boost in anxiety scores.
Students marked higher than non-distressed distress. Surprisingly, the results showed no depression association with us use, despite such associations found in previous searches. The research will be presented at the Globe Microbe Forum, holding the online place from June 20th to 24th.
“This study stresses that the pandemic has not simply affected people physically, but emotionally and mentally, with various groups with a larger reach than others,” said Michelle Wicik, the presenter’s research author, MD candidate in Saint James School of Medicine. “It reaffirms that there is an increased need for mental health support during disastrous times.”
Nearly half of the participants exposed a mild to moderate depression, with more than 70% ranging from light to severe depression. Seventy percent of participants experienced a mild to severe and slightly more than 30% anxiety could potentially meet the DSM-IV-TR criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Two hundred and ninety-four responses were collected and validated based on the criteria for inclusion / exclusion used in investigations. Participants ranged from 18 to 28 years old.
The use of screen time was no different between the genders. Nevertheless, there were differences between the sexes in the average scores of the depression, anxiety and the distress of C-19.
“The study is unique for evaluating the state of mental health as a function of screen time,” said Wiciak. The authors also collected data from several countries.
“Since the pandemic has moved the work and education to online, we wanted to acquire more information on the impact of the transition. We found unexpected results, possibly paving the way for future research and various Protective factors, which can be essential to maintaining a healthy person during Thumultuous Times, added Wiciak.