Prevalence and Determinants of Social Media Use among Adolescents Attending a Tertiary Health Facility in Southwest Nigeria – Agbesanwa et al: Pages 52-60

Abstract

Background: Social media has mixed, beneficial and harmful effects on adolescents. Its use influences health orientation and  some contents of entertainment reinforce negative behavior such as smoking and violence among adolescents. The aim of this  study was to describe the prevalence and determinants of level of social media use among adolescents. 

Methods: The data for this descriptive, cross-sectional hospital-based study was obtained from 287 adolescents using a self administered questionnaire. The participants graded their use of social media on a 5-point Likert scale of Always (5), Often  (4), Sometimes (3), Rarely (2) and Never (1). 

Results: About a third (101; 35.2%) sometimes did use social media [median (IQR) = 3 (2 – 4)] while a small proportion (22;  7.7%) had never used social media. Males, late adolescents and those in low social class socialized often on social media  (p<0.050). A third of participants taking Arts-related courses always used the social media for entertainment and information  (p<0.050). Majority of respondents from polygamous or low social class background often used the social media for academic  purposes (p<0.050). Most of the early adolescents rarely used social media to get information concerning other activities in the  society (p<0.050).  

Conclusion: The findings of this study provide some information pertaining to adolescent social media use, which may be  relevant for counseling when the need arises. It highlights a need for caregivers to guide the social media contents that  adolescents are exposed to in order to forestall negative impact of social media, which include distraction from academics and  exposure to social vices detrimental to health.