Screen Time Effect on Insomnia, Depression, or Anxiety Symptoms and Physical Activity of School Students During COVID-19 Lockdown in Lebanon: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objective Our aim is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on screen time among Lebanese high school students (grades 9?12). Methods An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed among 510 school students from different governorates in Lebanon; this included questions regarding screen time, food habits, and physical activity. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items. Effects of screen time on sleep was evaluated using the Insomnia Severity Index and Bedtime Procrastination Scale. Results Female students reported higher depression (p = 0.018) and anxiety (p = 0.023) than male students; however, there was no difference in their sleep. Insomnia, depression, and anxiety were highest among phone users. A screen time of more than 7 hours per day was significantly associated with higher depression (67.9%), anxiety (61.6%), insomnia (82.1%), and bedtime procrastination. It also indicated a shift toward a less healthy diet and light exercise. Conclusions Seven hours of screen was found to develop depression and anxiety, exercising less, eating a less healthy diet, and experiencing disturbed sleep among school adolescents.