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671 Are clinicians assessing the impact of social media and/or time spent online on the physical and mental health of adolescents in paediatric admissions?
Walker, Vicki
Walker, Vicki
Abstract
Aims There is significant evidence that prolonged periods of screen time
are associated with a variety of negative impacts on adolescent mental and
physical wellbeing; namely adiposity, unhealthy diet, depressive symptoms
and quality of life (1). However, the evidence-base to support a direct
link between 'toxic' screen time causing obesity, mental health problems
and educational failure has always been contested (2 3). Current RCPCH
guidance on the health impacts of screen time highlights the link between
higher screen time and less healthy diets, higher energy intake and
obesity. There is a complex relationship between mental health and digital
use with positive impacts e.g. maintain social friendships/ groups,
support for health conditions, online education and negative impacts e.g.
cyber-bullying, body dysmorphia, exploitation/grooming. The aim of this
audit was to ascertain whether social media/time spent online is discussed
and documented in the admission clerking or the first detailed history. If
possible, we wanted to establish any associations between indicators of
poor mental and physical health with social media/time spent online The
majority of evidence in the current RCPCH guidance is based on television
time, but recommendations now need to focus on newer uses of digital
media, such as social media. A recommendation to include social media as
an important factor in assessing adolescent health and wellbeing was
advocated in 2018 (4). Methods We undertook a retrospective review of 40
paediatric admissions in a medium district general hospital. Patients were
eligible if they were admitted, for any reason, from 1st January 2021 -
31st May 2021, aged 11 years old and above. Results Of the 38 admissions
included, three had documentation regarding social media/time spent online
(figure 1); one of these had a HEADSSSS assessment (figure 2). A further
two had HEADSSSS assessments without clarifying social media/time spent
online. Of these five patients: * Two admission documentations specified
time spent online platform (XBOX), of which, one patient had a BMI of 30 *
Three HEADSSSS assessments were carried out in patients with a
presentation and/or history of mental health problems * Of these, one
HEADSSSS assessment specified which social media platform the patient was
using, and if they experienced cyber bullying Conclusion Our audit
highlights a gap in use of social media screening in paediatric medical
histories amongst health care professionals. Good practice was
demonstrated for young people presenting with emotional health problems.
This was a broad cohort, therefore questions relating to impact of social
media may not be appropriate for every patient. The updated HEADSSSS
assessment includes a fourth 'S' for social media use (4). Updating the
clerking proforma to include this and raising awareness through training
will support professionals to appropriately assess for new and evolving
factors such as social media use, which are impacting on adolescent
physical and mental health.
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Date
2022-08
Type
Article
Subject
Collections
Citation
Ajdarpasic D, Walker V671 Are clinicians assessing the impact of social media and/or time spent online on the physical and mental health of adolescents in paediatric admissions?Archives of Disease in Childhood 2022;107:A50-A51.