Use of Social Networking Site and prevalence of Depression among Medical Students in Vikarabad, Telengana

Authors

  • Ajit Mogalgiddi
  • Bukya Kalyani

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v14i4.18512

Keywords:

Addiction, Depression, Social Networking Sites , Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale

Abstract

Background: Humans are social creatures that require the company of others in order to thrive in life. As a result,
although being socially connected with other people might help to reduce stress, anxiety, and melancholy, a lack of social
connection can put one’s mental health at danger.
Objective: To study and establish correlation between the use of Social Networking sites and depression among medical
students in a single center study.
Methods: A cross-sectional research was done among 200 medical college undergraduate students. A systematic
questionnaire was used to obtain data about medical students’ individual characteristics and use of social media sites.
The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to assess anxiety and depression. The prevalence was calculated as a
percentage, and the association was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U-test.
Results: Association between frequency of use of SNS and Depression is more in students who use 1-3 times in a day 20%
and in the students who used atleast 1hr it is 19.23% ,in students who use 4-7 times is 15.38% whereas in students who
use 8-23 times it is 17.54%. The students who were awake early morning and used SNSs often was more 25% than those
who were awake sometimes (15%) and never (18%) similarly the students who spent late nights in using SNSs was more
among who were often awake late night (25%) than those who were awake late night Sometimes (14.6%) and never (19%).
Conclusion: The current study found that SNS use was nearly ubiquitous among study participants, with the majority of
them being heavy SNS users. A large percentage of medical students show a strong preference for SNSs. Intense usage of
social media sites, especially use at unusual hours, was shown to be strongly (although not statistically significant) linked
to depression. Despite the fact that the problem is still relatively new, it is significant enough to warrant attention. To solve
the complicated relationship between social media use and mental health concerns, further study is needed.

Author Biographies

  • Ajit Mogalgiddi

    Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Mahavir Institute Of Medical Sciences, Vikarabad.

  • Bukya Kalyani

    Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, Mahavir Institute Of Medical Sciences, Vikarabad.

Downloads

Published

2022-10-10

How to Cite

Use of Social Networking Site and prevalence of Depression among Medical Students in Vikarabad, Telengana. (2022). Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 13(4), 26-31. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v14i4.18512