The impact of problematic internet behaviours on youth with mental health problems presenting to hospital emergency departments

Abstract

Objective

This study explores prevalence and risk factors of problematic internet behaviours (PIBs) among youth who attended an emergency department (ED) for mental health (MH) concerns.

Method

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 237 patients aged 12–25 years who attended ED. Using a modified emergency department media use screener (mEDMUS) questionnaire and ED data, this study examined the association of socio-demographic and clinical predictors with PIB by applying bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

ED presentation was related to PIB in 21.1% of participants. Female participants, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and individuals without a history of trauma were more likely to present with PIB. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that four internet-related behaviours (expressing aggression online, sending harmful content to others, deleting one’s social media account, or accessing unhealthy ways of weight loss) were predictive of visits to the ED for MH concerns associated with online behaviours.

Conclusions

The findings of this study will help clinical services and policy makers gain a better understanding of young people’s PIB in relation to their psychiatric symptoms. Future intervention studies should aim to broaden data collection techniques with long-term follow-ups, to explore how these online risk factors influence their everyday lives.