Digital device usage and its association with health among Mongolian adolescents
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21878772 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Boxian Wei (0000-0002-6941-0812, Vanke (China)), Erdenetsetseg Nyamsuren (0009-0001-1030-9306, Mongolian National University), Guangyu Yang (0000-0002-4692-1361, Renmin University of China), Jiayao Zhong (Vanke (China)), Min Zhang (0000-0003-4273-6836, Vanke (China)) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | e020613 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | BMJ Global Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2059-7908 • E-ISSN: 2059-7908 |
| Publisher | BMJ (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1136/bmjgh-2025-020613 |
| PMID | 41708139 |
| OpenAlex | W7130571858 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 51 |
INTRODUCTION: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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
Digital health · Happiness · Mental health · Physical health · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders · Impact of Technology on Adolescents
Changes and correlates of screen time in adults and children during the Covid-19 pandemic
Association Between Portable Screen-Based Media Device Access or Use and Sleep Outcomes
Children and Adolescents and Digital Media
More Time on Technology, Less Happiness? Associations Between Digital-Media Use and Psychological Well-Being
Screen time and young children
Clinical and psychological effects of excessive screen time on children
Social media use and its impact on adolescent mental health
A meta-analysis of the association between adolescent social media use and depressive symptoms
Internet addiction and sleep problems
Overviewing Gaming Motivation and Its Associated Psychological and Sociodemographic Variables
The Impact of Internet and Videogaming Addiction on Adolescent Vision
What Is Digital Parenting? A Systematic Review of Past Measurement and Blueprint for the Future
Annual Research Review
Gender differences in associations between digital media use and psychological well‐being
A Large-Scale Test of the Goldilocks Hypothesis
An umbrella review of the benefits and risks associated with youths’ interactions with electronic screens
Screen time and adolescents' mental health before and after the Covid-19 lockdown in Switzerland
Screen time and mental health
A systematic review
Cultural Background and Measurement of Usage Moderate the Association Between Social Networking Sites (SNSs) Usage and Mental Health
| Highly cited | No |
|---|