Impact of Screen Time on Adolescents' Physical Well-being: A Cross-Sectional Study on Health-Related Quality of Life in Iraq

Background:The increasing use of digital devices has raised concerns regarding its impact on adolescents' health. Excessive screen time has been linked to various physical and mental health risks, potentially affecting overall well-being. Understanding this association is critical for developing interventions aimed at improving adolescent health outcomes.Objectives:This study aims to examine the relationship between excessive screen time and the physical well-being domain of adolescents' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Additionally, it investigates demographic factors associated with physical well-being.Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 secondary school students (221 females, 228 males) in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf, Iraq, between December 2023 and May 2024. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire incorporating demographic variables, the KINDL questionnaire (assessing HRQoL), and the Questionnaire for Screen Time of Adolescents (QueST). Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA, were performed to explore associations between screen time and physical well-being.Results:A statistically significant negative correlation (p = 0.022, r = -0.102) was observed between screen time and physical well-being, suggesting that higher screen exposure is associated with lower physical HRQoL. Over 55.6% of adolescents reported screen time exceeding 10 hours per day, with 16- to 18-year-olds showing the highest usage rates. Gender differences were significant (p = 0.000), with males reporting better physical well-being scores compared to females. However, parental employment and income levels showed no significant impact.Conclusion:This study highlights the negative impact of excessive screen time on adolescents' physical well-being. The findings emphasize the urgent need for public health interventions to regulate screen use and promote healthier lifestyle habits among adolescents. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to explore causal mechanisms and develop targeted interventions.