The Relationship Between The Use Of Electronic Media With Headache In Adolescents
The Relationship Between the Use of Electronic Media and Headache in Adolescents
Introduction
The widespread use of electronic media among teenagers has become a significant concern in recent years. With the increasing popularity of mobile phones, computers, and television, adolescents are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. However, this trend has also raised concerns about the negative impact of electronic media on health, particularly in terms of headache, which is one of the most common health complaints reported by adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the use of electronic media and the incidence of headache in adolescents.
The Importance of Electronic Media in Modern Life
Electronic media has become an integral part of modern life, and its use has become ubiquitous among teenagers. Mobile phones, computers, and television are not only essential tools for communication, education, and entertainment but also play a significant role in shaping the social and cultural landscape of adolescents. However, the excessive use of electronic media has been linked to various health problems, including headaches, eye strain, and sleep disorders.
The Prevalence of Headache in Adolescents
Headache is a common health complaint among adolescents, and its prevalence has been increasing in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache is one of the most common health problems reported by adolescents, affecting up to 70% of teenagers worldwide. The causes of headache in adolescents are multifactorial, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Research Methodology
This study was conducted in the form of a cross-sectional study in the youth population in the Shafiyyatul Amaliyyah Foundation in Medan. A total of 278 subjects were involved in this study, where each was invited to fill out a questionnaire regarding the use of electronic media adapted from previous studies by Busch et al. (2010) and Santini et al. (2002). In addition, they were also asked to fill out a questionnaire about headache adapted from the research of Ho K-H & Ong BK-C.
Research Results
Of the 278 participating subjects, it was found that 271 people (97.5%) used electronic media, while 270 people (97.1%) reported experiencing headaches. The analysis shows a significant relationship between the use of electronic media and headache with a p (ρ) value of 0.001. However, no significant relationship was found between the frequency of the call per day (ρ = 0.945), the duration of the call per day (ρ = 0.915), the duration of mobile ownership (ρ = 0.939), and the average time of computer use (ρ = 0.460) and watch television (ρ = 0.785).
Discussion
The results of this study show that the use of electronic media in general is closely related to the incidence of headache in adolescents. Although this research shows a significant relationship, it is essential to note that not all aspects of the use of electronic media have the same impact. For example, the duration of use or the frequency of communication by telephone does not show a significant relationship with complaints of headache.
This can show that other factors, such as screen quality, body posture when using electronic devices, and exposure to blue light from the screen, can also contribute to headache. In addition, psychological pressure that may be faced by adolescents in the digital age, such as stress from social media, can also be a cause of headache that needs to be further investigated.
Conclusion
This study confirms a significant relationship between the use of electronic media and the incidence of headache in adolescents. With the increasing use of electronic devices among adolescents, a better understanding of its impact on health, especially headache, is very important. Further research is needed to explore other factors that contribute to this relationship and to find ways to minimize the negative effects of the use of electronic media.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Parents and caregivers should be aware of the potential risks of electronic media use on their children's health, particularly headache.
- Schools and educational institutions should incorporate health education programs that focus on the safe use of electronic media and the prevention of headache.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential relationship between electronic media use and headache in adolescents and provide appropriate treatment and guidance.
- Further research is needed to explore other factors that contribute to the relationship between electronic media use and headache in adolescents.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
- Cross-sectional design: This study was conducted using a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the temporal relationship between electronic media use and headache.
- Self-reported data: The data used in this study were self-reported, which may be subject to bias and error.
- Limited sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Future Directions
Future studies should aim to:
- Explore the temporal relationship between electronic media use and headache in adolescents.
- Investigate other factors that contribute to the relationship between electronic media use and headache in adolescents.
- Develop effective interventions to minimize the negative effects of electronic media use on headache in adolescents.
Keywords: Electronic media, headache, teenagers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Electronic Media and Headache in Adolescents
Q: What is the relationship between electronic media use and headache in adolescents?
A: The results of this study show that there is a significant relationship between the use of electronic media and the incidence of headache in adolescents. However, not all aspects of electronic media use have the same impact, and other factors such as screen quality, body posture, and exposure to blue light from the screen may also contribute to headache.
Q: How common is headache in adolescents?
A: Headache is a common health complaint among adolescents, affecting up to 70% of teenagers worldwide. The causes of headache in adolescents are multifactorial, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Q: What are the potential risks of electronic media use on headache in adolescents?
A: The potential risks of electronic media use on headache in adolescents include:
- Excessive screen time
- Poor posture when using electronic devices
- Exposure to blue light from the screen
- Psychological pressure from social media
- Sleep disorders
Q: How can parents and caregivers reduce the risk of headache in adolescents due to electronic media use?
A: Parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of headache in adolescents due to electronic media use by:
- Setting limits on screen time
- Encouraging physical activity and outdoor play
- Promoting healthy sleep habits
- Monitoring social media use and providing guidance on online safety
- Encouraging regular breaks from screens
Q: What can schools and educational institutions do to promote healthy electronic media use and prevent headache in adolescents?
A: Schools and educational institutions can promote healthy electronic media use and prevent headache in adolescents by:
- Incorporating health education programs that focus on the safe use of electronic media and the prevention of headache
- Encouraging physical activity and outdoor play
- Providing access to mental health resources and support
- Promoting healthy sleep habits and regular breaks from screens
Q: What can healthcare providers do to address the relationship between electronic media use and headache in adolescents?
A: Healthcare providers can address the relationship between electronic media use and headache in adolescents by:
- Providing education and guidance on the safe use of electronic media
- Conducting regular health checks and monitoring for signs of headache
- Providing treatment and guidance for headache and other related health issues
- Referring adolescents to mental health resources and support when needed
Q: What are some effective interventions to minimize the negative effects of electronic media use on headache in adolescents?
A: Some effective interventions to minimize the negative effects of electronic media use on headache in adolescents include:
- Setting limits on screen time
- Encouraging physical activity and outdoor play
- Promoting healthy sleep habits
- Monitoring social media use and providing guidance on online safety
- Encouraging regular breaks from screens
- Providing access to mental health resources and support
Q: What are some future directions for research on the relationship between electronic media use and headache in adolescents?
A: Future directions for research on the relationship between electronic media use and headache in adolescents include:
- Exploring the temporal relationship between electronic media use and headache
- Investigating other factors that contribute to the relationship between electronic media use and headache
- Developing effective interventions to minimize the negative effects of electronic media use on headache in adolescents
Q: What are some potential limitations of this study?
A: Some potential limitations of this study include:
- Cross-sectional design
- Self-reported data
- Limited sample size
Q: What are some potential implications of this study for public health policy and practice?
A: Some potential implications of this study for public health policy and practice include:
- Developing policies and guidelines for healthy electronic media use in adolescents
- Providing education and resources for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers on the safe use of electronic media and the prevention of headache
- Encouraging physical activity and outdoor play in adolescents
- Promoting healthy sleep habits and regular breaks from screens in adolescents.