학술논문

Changes in physical and mental health in Swedish schoolchildren in the digital age
Document Type
Source
Acta Paediatrica. 112(10):2149-2160
Subject
Pediatrics
Pediatrik
mental health
physical health
schoolchildren
screen time
sleep
duration
school-performance
social media
complaints
Language
English
ISSN
0803-5253
Abstract
Aim: Poor physical and mental health are common and increasing in Swedish children. The aim was to investigate significant changes in health and digital habits in fourth grade and ninth grade pupils in 2020 compared to 2011.Methods: A validated questionnaire was conducted in 2011 and 2020 among schoolchildren in fourth (10 years) and ninth grade (15 years) in Sweden. The study population consisted of 196 students in 2020 and 254 students in 2011.Results: A significant increase was seen in self-reported sleeping difficulties, tiredness, life dissatisfaction and dissatisfaction with academic abilities among fourth grade children and a sixfold increase in their refusal to go to school. Students in fourth grade also reported that they spent more time on social media and had a reduced interest in sports. Both students in fourth and ninth grade described an increase in attacks of anger and unhappiness, as well as decreased time with family.Conclusion: We conclude that fourth grade children have more physical and mental health symptoms in 2020 compared to 2011. The ninth grade students showed a high frequency of physical and mental symptoms in 2011, which remained high in 2020. One possible explanation may be that digital habits have increased.