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Restricting screen time before bed is vital for minimizing depression risk during the early phases of pregnancy, improving sleep quality and mental health.
More digital device use (excessive time spent on screens, phone addiction, etc.) during the early stages of pregnancy may lead to depression in women, according to a cross-sectional study published in ‘Reproductive Health'. Numerous studies have indicated that excessive engagement in digital devices could have adverse psychological consequences in people. Hence, this research by Qianqian Yang and colleagues sought to assess the link between electronic screen exposure and depression in women during early pregnancy (≤ gestation week 14).
Investigators collected data on socio-demographics, screen exposure, and depression levels via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Conducted over a year with 665 participants, this research highlighted that daily smartphone use far exceeds other screen activities, with a median of 5 hours per day. The findings show that both smartphone and television viewing before bed, chiefly exceeding 1.5 hours, are linked to enhanced depression risk. Women more inclined towards their smartphones are particularly more susceptible to depressive, anxious, and hypomanic symptoms.
Notably, video watching (22%), music listening (20.9%), and gaming (16.7%) topped the charts for smartphone activities reported by women experiencing depression. The study underscores the need for further research to confirm these results and better understand the impact of digital device use on mental well-being during gestation.
Reproductive Health
Association of electronic screen exposure with depression among women in early pregnancy: a cross-sectional study
Qianqian Yang et al.
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