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. 2020 Oct-Dec;56(4):514-521.
doi: 10.4415/ANN_20_04_16.

Problematic social media use: associations with health complaints among adolescents

Claudia Marino  1 , Michela Lenzi  1 , Natale Canale  1 , Daniela Pierannunzio  2 , Paola Dalmasso  3 , Alberto Borraccino  3 , Nazario Cappello  3 , Patrizia Lemma  3 , Alessio Vieno  1 ; 2018 HBSC-Italia Group; the 2018 HBSC-Italia Group
Collaborators, Affiliations
Free article

Problematic social media use: associations with health complaints among adolescents

Claudia Marino et al. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2020 Oct-Dec.
Free article

Abstract

Objective: Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) has an addictive potential for young users. The aim of this study was to show the prevalence of PSMU across Italian regions and its association with health complaints.

Materials and methods: Data are gathered from the Italian 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey using a representative sample of Italian adolescents aged 11, 13 and 15 years (50.6% males). Participants completed self-administered questionnaires assessing PSMU and health complaints.

Results: PSMU affects 8.9% adolescents in Italy and the prevalence is quite consistent across regions. 13-year-olds girls showed the highest percentage of PSMU (13%). Problematic users of social media are more likely to report multiple somatic (OR = 1.84 [95% CI 1.82-1.85]) and psychological (OR = 2.60 [95% CI 2.58-2.63]) symptoms.

Conclusions: PSMU represents a widespread problem in Italy. National prevention interventions are needed in order to promote a positive use of social media.

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