PROBLEMATIC SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND MENTAL BEINGOF URBAN AND RURAL ADOLESCENTS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Introduction. The mental well-being aspects of the younger generation is a serious problem. Mental health predictors
analysis is a valuable tool for effective preventive work. Global trends and the widespread use of Internet technologies lead to active involvement of children and adolescents in the virtual space. However, uncontrolled communication, especially
through Internet messengers and social media networks, are exposed adolescents to risks of poor health.
Aim of the study. To explore negative impact of problematic social media use on mental health of adolescents.
Materials and methods. The study is observational, analytical, cross-sectional. The data were obtained during two
rounds of the "Health Behavior of school-aged children" (Health Behavior in School-aged Children, HBSC-2018, 2022) study
in Kazakhstan in accordance with the international protocol. In order to assess the possible impact of problematic use of
social networks on the development of negative health consequences on urban and rural adolescents, a multidimensional
method of statistical analysis was used – binary logistic regression.
Results. According to the results of 2018 study, 6.9% of the surveyed adolescents showed signs of problematic use of
social media networks. In 2022, the prevalence of problematic use of social media among adolescents increased almost 2-
fold, reaching 12.7%. The latest study revealed a significant increase in the number of problem social media users among
urban children to 14.4% (10.2% in rural areas, p<0.001, χ2 = 26.9).
The study revealed a significant increase in the odds of depression among problematic social networks users: OR - 2.69;
95% CI 1.82-3.97 among urban schoolchildren; OR - 2.42; 95% CI 1.61-3.63 among rural ones. A highly statistically
significant relationship was found between problematic use of social networks and increased anxiety in adolescents (OR -
2.85; 95% CI 2.26-3.59 in urban; OR - 2.70; 95% CI 1.96-3.71 in rural areas) and a low level of stress tolerance (OR - 2.76;
95% CI 1.79-4.26 in urban; OR - 1.56; 95% CI 0.77-3.16 in rural).
Conclusions. The high intensity of social media networks use is associated with poor mental health of adolescents. The
study points to the need to take measures in response to the growing prevalence of problematic use of social media by
adolescents and its negative impact on health.