Date of Award

10-3-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MSc in Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Ali Faisal Saleem

Second Advisor

Dr. Adeel Khoja

Third Advisor

Ms. Zulaikha Saleem

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Technology plays a significant role in young adolescents' lives, they are vivid users of technology [mobile phones, tablets, and computers]and social media platforms [Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp]. However, there is a limited understanding of how technology affects health behaviours (dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep patterns). This mixed-method study examines the relationship between technology and [dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep patterns) to understand how these digital interactions shape adolescents' health behaviours.
Purpose: The study aims to investigate the role of technology and its impacts on health behaviors [dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep patterns)] among young adolescents.
Method :The study used a mixed-method approach with a convergent parallel design, conducted in two private schools in Karachi, Pakistan. For this study data was collected in both ways, the Quantitative (questionnaires) from youth risk behaviour surveillance (YRBS) were used, to assess the influence of technology on three health behaviours [dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep pattern]. A sample of 238 was collected among young adolescents studying in grades 8,9 and 10, between the ages of 12-17 years through a stratified random sampling method whereas, in qualitative, three focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted consisting of a total of 18 participants, 6 from each school and 2 from each grade 8,9 and 10 were taken into the study through convenient sampling method. The collected data from participants was v transcribed, and translated and codes, categories, and subcategories were generated using thematic analysis.
Finding(s):The quantitative data findings showed that most of the young adolescents, 66.4% (158), had more than 2 hours of daily screen time, including televisions, gaming, and other social media applications, excluding school work. Conversely, 33.6% (80) utilized 2 or less than 2 hours. The study examined the relationship between screen time (≤2 hours and > 2 hours) on dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep patterns. Findings of screen time and weight showed a p-value of 0.252, dietary habits showed a p-value of 0.680, physical activity was measured in 20 minutes showed a p-value of 0.221, a 60-minute p-value was 0.383 and a sleep pattern p-value was 0.060. The results showed that there is no association between screen time and dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep habits. However, the results were not statistically significant but clinically they are significant as there is a risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the data analysis was done utilizing Chi-square and SPSS version 26. In the qualitative thematic analysis, two themes emerged [1. the perception of technology and 2. influence on health behvaiours] from participant codes, categories, and subcategories.
Conclusion: The mixed method study provides complementary findings from its quantitative and qualitative arms. The quantitative analysis found no association between screen timings and health behaviours [dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep pattern]. Since the data was based on self-reported questionaries the participants may have underestimated or overestimated their actual screen time as it was perceived usage rather than objectively measured. Qualitative insights offered valuable insights on participants' experiences and perceptions, that they utilize technology and perceive its benefits as awareness of utilizing health applications, learning skills, vi and information] which impact their health behaviours in positive [parents, schools, and peers] and negative [mental clouding and physical fatigue] However, they face challenges [time and physical constraints]. Together results from both arms of the study found there is a complex interplay between technology and health behaviours in young adolescents. However, the results are not statistically significant but clinically refer to a measured area of concern leading to noncommunicable diseases. Additionally, qualitative input from subjective experiences provides the impact of technology on adolescents' health behaviours. Future research is recommended for a more comprehensive approach towards adolescent health interventions.

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Last Page

179

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