Health
Problematic Smartphone Use Linked to Mental Health Issues Among Teens, UK Studies Find
Teenagers who report problematic smartphone use are significantly more likely to experience anxiety, depression, or insomnia, according to two new studies conducted in UK schools.
Researchers from King’s College London conducted surveys among 657 teenagers aged 16 to 18 and 69 children aged 13 to 16 over a four-week period. Their findings revealed that 18.7% of the older group and approximately 14.5% of the younger group self-reported problematic smartphone use.
Dr. Nicola Kalk, co-author of the studies, explained the concept of problematic smartphone use. “Problematic smartphone use is a construct that researchers have come up with to describe a pattern of smartphone use, which shares some similarities to the way other people would talk about their behavioral addictions, such as problem gambling,” Dr. Kalk told the Associated Press. She noted that this type of use is characterized by a loss of control, prioritizing smartphone use over other meaningful activities or sleep, continuing use despite awareness of its negative consequences, experiencing distress when not near the smartphone, and needing to spend increasing amounts of time on the smartphone to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
One study, published in the journal Acta Paediatrica, found that teenagers aged 16 to 18 who reported problematic smartphone use were twice as likely to experience anxiety and three times as likely to suffer from depression compared to those who did not report such use.
The second study, published in the journal BMJ Mental Health, revealed that nearly half of the teens aged 13 to 16 with problematic smartphone use reported symptoms of anxiety, and more than half reported symptoms of depression.
These findings underscore the growing concerns about the impact of smartphone use on young people’s mental health. The studies highlight the importance of addressing problematic smartphone use among teenagers to mitigate its potential negative effects on their well-being.
With the increasing prevalence of smartphones, understanding and addressing the mental health implications of their use is crucial. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must work together to develop strategies to help teens manage their smartphone use and promote healthier digital habits.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of smartphone use on mental health and to develop effective interventions to support young people in navigating their digital lives safely and healthily.
Health
Ukraine’s Healthcare Reforms Align with EU Standards Amid Ongoing War, Says WHO Official
Health
European Nations and Non-Profits Pledge $700 Million to WHO for Global Health Initiatives
Health
Second Round of Polio Vaccination Begins in Gaza Amid Conflict
A second round of polio vaccinations commenced in Gaza on Monday, aiming to inoculate over half a million children as part of emergency efforts to control an outbreak first detected in July. The highly contagious virus was found in sewage samples and led to the paralysis of a 10-month-old child, marking the first polio case in the region in 25 years.
The initial phase of the vaccination campaign occurred in early September, with approximately 95% of eligible children receiving the first dose of the oral polio vaccine. The current round will provide the crucial second dose, necessary to halt the transmission of the virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least two doses are required to stop the spread, and a minimum of 90% vaccination coverage is essential to protect the population.
In addition to the polio vaccine, children between the ages of two and nine will receive Vitamin A to enhance overall immunity, the WHO reported.
Dr. Hamid Jafari, Director of Polio Eradication for WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean region, explained that polio outbreak responses typically involve multiple rounds of immunization to interrupt transmission at the community level. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) helps determine the number and scope of campaigns needed based on risk assessments, with this particular campaign targeting children under 10 in Gaza.
Vaccination Amid War and Shortages
The ongoing vaccination effort takes place under the shadow of the Israel-Hamas war, which erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack in southern Israel. Israel’s subsequent military response, including airstrikes and a ground operation, has led to widespread devastation in Gaza, with more than 42,000 Palestinians killed, according to the territory’s health ministry.
The war has severely strained Gaza’s healthcare system, which WHO described as “virtually depleted.” The first round of vaccinations faced major logistical hurdles due to damaged infrastructure, a lack of supplies, and significant population displacement.
Despite these challenges, the first phase was considered a success, with mobile teams, outreach posts, and health facilities ensuring broad coverage. For the second round, similar strategies are being employed, with additional efforts to raise public awareness, including radio broadcasts and digital messaging.
In recent months, 1.6 million doses of the polio vaccine have been delivered to Gaza, along with essential equipment like refrigerators, freezers, and vaccine carriers.
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, emphasized the importance of “humanitarian pauses” in the conflict to ensure the vaccination campaign can continue without interruption, stressing that “without them, it is impossible to vaccinate the children.”
Global Polio Eradication Efforts
Polio is primarily transmitted through contact with the feces of an infected individual, often through contaminated water or food. While many people experience mild or no symptoms, the virus can cause paralysis and, in severe cases, death.
The ongoing global fight against polio has successfully reduced cases of wild poliovirus to just two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, outbreaks of vaccine-derived strains still occur in areas with low immunization rates. These strains, linked to the live virus in the oral vaccine, can be controlled with two to three rounds of immunization.
The novel version of the oral polio vaccine used in Gaza includes improvements designed to reduce the likelihood of the virus mutating and causing disease in under-vaccinated communities. Dr. Jafari stressed the importance of continued global cooperation, noting that “until we stop transmission of all polioviruses, children everywhere remain at risk.”
-
Business5 months ago
Saudi Arabia’s Model for Sustainable Aviation Practices
-
Business5 months ago
Recent Developments in Small Business Taxes
-
Politics5 months ago
Who was Ebrahim Raisi and his status in Iranian Politics?
-
Business3 months ago
Carrectly: Revolutionizing Car Care in Chicago
-
Business4 months ago
Saudi Arabia: Foreign Direct Investment Rises by 5.6% in Q1
-
Technology5 months ago
Comparing Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3
-
Politics5 months ago
Indonesia and Malaysia Call for Israel’s Compliance with ICJ Ruling on Gaza Offensive
-
Technology5 months ago
Recent Developments in AI Ethics in America