Abstracts
Excessive Facebook use and physical and mental health risks
Published Online
February 21, 2018
Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sciences, An-Najah National
University, Nablus, occupied
Palestinian territory
(Z Nazzal ABCM, H Rabee’ MD,
M Ba’ara MD, D Bert PHD)
Correspondence to:
Dr Zaher Nazzal, Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences,
An-Najah National University,
Nablus, West Bank, occupied
Palestinian territory
znazzal@najah.edu
38 www.thelancet.com
in the occupied Palestinian territory: a cross-sectional study
Zaher Nazzal, Hadi Rabee’, Mohammad Ba’ara, Denis Berte
Abstract
Background Social media has become popular and changed social interaction between people. The Middle East is an
important and expanding market, particularly the occupied Palestinian territory, where restrictions related to cultural
and geopolitical realities create an environment of isolation for young adults. Dependence on social media is
suggested to diminish motivation to participate in naturally occurring activities and life interests, leading to physical
and mental health risks. The aim of this study was to assess the potential association between excessive Facebook use
and physical health complaints, unhealthy habits, and emotional discomfort in university students.
Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited students at the An-Najah National University of Palestine. We
used a pretested, self-administered questionnaire to collect demographic data and information about Facebook use,
unhealthy habits related to Facebook use, and physical health complaints. The Facebook Intensity Scale (FIS) and the
Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS21) were used as study instruments. The study was approved by the
Institutional Review Board of An-Najah National University. Participation was voluntary, and written consent was
obtained from each participant.
Findings The sample included 1003 students of both sexes and from a range of study areas. 938 participants returned
valid questionnaires. 922 (98%) students had Facebook accounts, with 240 (26%) students spending more than 3 h
per day on Facebook, and 258 (28%) students reporting having more than 300 Facebook friends. A positive relationship
was found between time spent on social network sites, number of Facebook friends, and Facebook Intensity Scales
scores and an increase in unhealthy habits including skipping meals, delaying urination, and late night and
interrupted sleep. Negative health consequences related to excessive use included eye strain, reduction in energy
levels, reduction in frequency and duration of exercise, and back and wrist pain. Excessive Facebook use and having a
high number of Facebook friends were associated with emotional discomfort (depressive, anxiety, and stress
symptoms).
Interpretation These findings present evidence that excessive social networking online is associated with unhealthy
habits and negative health effects in Palestinian students. Excessive Facebook use might also lead to increased risk of
mental health symptoms and interfere with actual developmental tasks. Public awareness and alternative opportunities
for socialisation and recreation are needed to combat this high-risk health trend.
Funding None.
Contributors
ZN, HR, and MB contributed to the conception and design of the study, the acquisition of data, the analysis and interpretation of the data, and the
drafting of the Abstract. DB contributed to the conception and design of the study, data interpretation, and the writing of the Abstract. All authors
have seen and approved the final version of the Abstract for publication
Declaration of interests
We declare no competing interests.