Problematic Social Media Use and Depression among Addis Ababa University Regular Undergraduate Students: Institutional based Cross Sectional Study

Problematic Social Media Use and Depression among Addis Ababa University Regular Undergraduate Students: Institutional based Cross Sectional Study | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Problematic Social Media Use and Depression among Addis Ababa University Regular Undergraduate Students: Institutional based Cross Sectional Study Haileleul Mekonnen, Bemnet Yacobe, Assamin Assafaw, Hiwotemedhin Aberra This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5013155/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Problematic social media use (PSMU) and its potential link to depression among university students have become significant areas of concern. This study aims to explore the prevalence of PSMU and its relationship with depression symptoms and identify demographic factors associated with level of depression among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University's main campus. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 316 students using a stratified random sampling method from March to April 2024. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. Results The study found that 17.1% of the respondents exhibited problematic social media use. Additionally, the prevalence of depression was found to be 77 (24.3%:95% CI :19.7-29.5) with 4.4% of the participant found to have severe depression. The odds of depression are 1.6 times higher in those compared to non-problematic social media users (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.4-1.8; p < 0.0001). Moreover, individuals who frequently use social media to watch pornography have a 14 times greater likelihood of experiencing depression compared to those who do not watch pornography at all. Compared to men, female students report greater levels of depression. Conclusions The findings indicate a high prevalence of PSMU among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University and a significant association with depression symptoms. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to address PSMU and its mental health implications among university students. Problematic social media use (PSMU) Depression TikTok Social media addiction Addis Ababa University Background to the Study Social media is a way of communication that is an electronic communication platform, such as websites for social networking, where individuals create virtual communities to share information, ideas, and personal messages (1). It is a global phenomenon, connecting people worldwide and creating a sense of a smaller, interconnected village. In recent years, the ubiquitous presence of social media platforms has profoundly influenced the lives of young adults worldwide, including university students. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer unprecedented opportunities for connectivity, information sharing, and social interaction (2). However, alongside these benefits, concerns have arisen regarding the potential adverse effects of excessive social media use on mental health, particularly its association with depression among young adults. Studies have demonstrated that increased engagement with social media can lead to declines in subjective well-being and heightened levels of depressive symptoms among young adults in various cultural contexts(3,4). A Meta-analytic findings further shows the consistent association between problematic social media use and increased risk of depression across diverse populations(5). Additionally, a study explored social media patterns among pharmaceutical undergraduates at Kenyatta University, emphasizing WhatsApp and YouTube as primary platforms for leisure and academic information sharing(6). These findings emphasize the high social media usage among university students and warrant an examination of its potential correlation with depression levels. Depression is a global mental health concern that affects over three million individuals worldwide, with major depressive disorder (MDD) contributing significantly to disability. In the U.S., approximately 16.1 million aged 15 to 44 experience major depressive disorder annually. Africa, including Ethiopia, faces substantial challenges, with millions affected by depressive disorders (7). Among university students, Numerous studies highlight the alarming rates of depression among university students(8). The effects of depression extend beyond mental and academic performance(9,10). To address this issue, understanding the causes of depression is crucial, making the proposed study on the relationship between social media use and depression among university students at Addis Ababa University. In Ethiopia, the rapid expansion of social media usage has paralleled the country's increasing access to the internet, particularly among young adults and university students. A Study done on the prevalence and factors associated with problematic internet use among Dilla university students found that a high prevalence of problematic Internet use and there were various factors associated with increased prevalence of problematic Internet use(11). Although this study tried to highlight the prevalence of internet use among university students, it didn't show problematic social media use which is different from the general problematic internet use. There are few literatures that showed the prevalence of social media use and associated factors among different university students. However, on manual and different journal searches, there is scarce literature that reveals the relationship between problematic social media use and depression rate among Ethiopian university students, including the current study area. Furthermore, this study addressed important interconnected factors that could be managed by stakeholders. It aimed in providing students with information on safe, beneficial, and healthy Internet practices and to help control psychological issues among them. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating how widespread problematic social media use is and its relationship with depression among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University. Statement of the Problem With the continuous evolution of technology, the increase in internet coverage, and the regular emergence of social media applications, young people have increasingly shifted towards online interactions rather than traditional face-to-face communication. Various activities are now predominantly conducted through diverse online social media platforms. As of April 2024, globally social media users reached 5.07 billion, with an additional 2259 million users in the last 12 months, resulting in 62.9% worldwide social media usage (12). This data shows the rapid increase in the social media users with a significant proportion being young people. In the United States of America (U.S.A), digital consumers spend approximately 2.5 hours daily on online socializing, with 69% of adults using more than one social media platform. On average, an American internet user has 7.1 social media accounts, and 88% of U.S. citizens' social media users aged 18 to 29 find it challenging to function without social media. These statistics highlight the prevalent use of social media, especially among young adults and university students (12). Existing literature highlights the heightened use of social media among young individuals, particularly those enrolled in universities. A study conducted which revealed that university students are among the most active users of social media, utilizing these platforms for both academic and social purposes(13). Similarly, another study found that a significant proportion of university students spend multiple hours daily on social media(14). A systematic review revealed that the prevalence of problematic social media use among university students ranges from 13–31%(15). In the United States, a study found that approximately 29% of university students reported experiencing problematic social media use(4). Meta-analytic findings further showed the consistent association between problematic social media use and negative mental health outcomes among university students. Another meta-analysis found an average prevalence of 24.5% for problematic social media use among this demographic(5). The analysis confirmed consistent associations between problematic use and increased risk of depression. Additionally, a study in China noted that 22.3% of Chinese university students met the criteria for problematic social media use, with female students more likely to report such behaviors compared to male students(16). Concurrently, a literature review has revealed varying levels of depression among university students on a global scale. A reported that a substantial percentage of university students experience depressive symptoms(8). A study in Saudi Arabia found that the prevalence of depression among university students was notably high, highlighting the mental health challenges faced by this demographic(17). A study that determine the associations between depression, sociodemographic, social and health variables among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria identified high levels of depressive symptoms among university students(18). Another study further illustrated the severity of this problem in Kenya, where a significant proportion of university students were found to suffer from moderate to severe depression(19). The relationship between problematic social media use and depression among university students is a significant concern globally, with research highlighting consistent patterns across different areas. A meta-analytical study have demonstrated a robust positive correlation between social media addiction and depressive symptoms among college students, showed the widespread nature of this issue(20). These findings collectively suggest that while social media provides valuable benefits for university students, such as enhanced communication and information sharing, it also poses risks to their mental health, particularly in the form of increased depressive symptoms. Given the observable surge in social media utilization and the concurrent rise in depression levels among undergraduates, it becomes imperative to investigate the potential correlation between social media use and depression in this population. Despite the global and regional recognition of these issues, there is a lack of comprehensive research focused on Ethiopian university students, particularly those at Addis Ababa University. This gap in knowledge suggests the need for this study to assess the prevalence and impact of problematic social media use on depression among regular undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University. Objective of the study General objective The major objective of the study is to examine the relationship between problematic social media use and depression levels among Addis Ababa University’s main campus undergraduates. Specific Objectives To determine the prevalence of problematic social media use among students at Addis Ababa University’s main campus. To examine the relationship between problematic social media use and the presence of depression symptoms among students at Addis Ababa University’s main campus. To determine the association between demographic factors and the level of depression among students at Addis Ababa University’s main campus. Significance of the study The rise of social media has revolutionized the way individuals communicate, interact, and share information. This transformation is particularly pronounced among university students. This study, focusing on Addis Ababa University main campus regular undergraduate students, aims to explore the prevalence and relationship of problematic social media use (PSMU) and depression. The significance of this study lies in its potential to fill critical research gaps, inform policy and intervention strategies, and contribute to the broader understanding of social media's impact on mental health within an Ethiopian context. One of the primary significance of this study is its potential to address a notable research gap. While numerous studies have explored the relationship between social media use and mental health in Western contexts, there is a scarcity of research focusing on African populations, particularly Ethiopian university students. This study will provide much-needed empirical data on the prevalence of PSMU and its correlation with depression among Addis Ababa University students, offering insights that are directly relevant to the Ethiopian context. Depression are often under-recognized and under-treated in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. This study aims to raise awareness about the potential mental health risks associated with excessive social media use. By highlighting the prevalence of PSMU and its association with depression, the study can contribute to a broader understanding of these issues among students, faculty, and administrators at Addis Ababa University. Increased awareness can lead to more proactive measures to identify and support students struggling with mental health issues, ultimately fostering a healthier university environment. The findings of this study have significant implications for policy and intervention strategies at Addis Ababa University and potentially other educational institutions in Ethiopia. Understanding the relationship between social media use and depression can inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at promoting healthy social media habits and improving mental health support services. Additionally, mental health services could be tailored to address the specific needs of students who exhibit signs of PSMU and depression, ensuring timely and effective support. This study can serve as a foundation for future research in the area of social media use and mental health among Ethiopian students. By providing empirical data and insights, it can stimulate further investigations into the causal mechanisms underlying the relationship between PSMU and depression. While this study is localized to Addis Ababa University, its findings will contribute to the global literature on social media use and mental health. By providing data from a non-Western context, the study can enhance the diversity and comprehensiveness of existing research. For educators and administrators, the study provides evidence-based insights that can inform the development of curricula and programs aimed at promoting digital literacy and mental well-being. Health professionals, including counselors and psychologists, can use the findings to enhance their understanding of the digital behaviors of university students and tailor their interventions accordingly. By addressing a critical research gap, enhancing mental health awareness, informing policy and intervention strategies, guiding future research, and contributing to global literature, the study holds the potential to make a substantial impact on the understanding and management of mental health issues related to social media use. The practical applications of the study's findings can lead to improved mental health and academic performance, promoting the holistic development of students and encouraging responsible social media use. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to the well-being of university students and foster a healthier, more supportive educational environment. Literature review Problematic Social Media Use Prevalence Problematic Social Media Use(PSMU) has been defined as the excessive, compulsive, or dysfunctional use of social media platforms, leading to negative consequences such as impaired daily functioning, psychological distress, or interference with real-life relationships(21). Problematic social media use among university students varies widely, with reported rates ranging from 0.8–47.7% in different studies(22, 23). The majority of research indicates that excessive internet usage negatively impacts physical health, family relationships, and academic achievement. Studies conducted in various countries have showed significantly different estimates. For instance, the prevalence of problematic Internet use among college students was very low in Italy 0.8% (22). Whereas in the UK, the prevalence rate has been reported as high as 18%(24). A study in Japan investigated the prevalence and assessment of Internet addiction (IA) among college students through cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2014 and 2016, involving 1005 respondents with a mean age of 18.9 years. The findings revealed that 21.6% of students found to have internet addicted which is highly prevalent among college students(25). A pilot study conducted at Ugandan public university among medical students examined the association between problematic internet, social media, and smartphone use with depression symptoms. The study found that 16.73% of the students reported moderate to severe depression symptoms. Prevalence rates for being at risk of smartphone addiction were 45.72%, social media addiction 74.34%, and internet addiction 8.55%(26). A study conducted at Dilla University, Ethiopia, found a high prevalence of problematic Internet use among undergraduate students, with 19.4% exhibiting symptoms according to Young's internet Addiction Test(11). Significant factors associated with this behavior included male gender, depression, and the consumption of khat or caffeinated drinks. This finding is comparable with the global studies. Even though problematic Internet use is becoming a serious problem and highly prevalent across the world, there is no much study done among ethiopian university students. Prevalence of Depression Among University Students Depression among university students has been extensively studied due to its significant impact on mental health and academic performance. Various studies have highlighted the prevalence and associated factors contributing to depression in this population. A systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of depression among Chinese university students, compiling data from 113 studies retrieved through electronic databases revealed the overall prevalence of depression 28.4%. The findings underscored a persistently high prevalence of depression among Chinese university students(27). Another systematic review done on the prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students in low- and middle-income countries based on data extracted from 37 studies published between 2009 and 2018 found that the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students was estimated to be 24.4%, highlighting a substantial burden of depression in this population(28). A meta-analysis and comprehensive review conducted to observe the prevalence of depression among university students in Ethiopia found a pooled prevalence of depression of 28.13% where significant factors associated with depression included being female, being a first-year student, and having a family history of mental illness(29). This study revealed that more than one-fourth of students at Ethiopian universities experienced depression. A study done to determine the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among Ambo University students,Ethiopia indicated that 32.2% of the participants were experiencing depression. Factors significantly associated with depression included being female, with females being four times more likely to experience depression compared to males(30). The collective findings from various studies examining the prevalence of depression among university students across the globe reveal a significant mental health challenge affecting this population. Across different universities and regions, prevalence rates vary but consistently highlight a substantial burden of depression. Studies consistently identify being female, being a first-year student, having a family history of mental illness, and engaging in substance use as common factors associated with higher rates of depression. The prevalence ranges from 4.4% to as high as 35.52%, showing the variability across different settings and demographic factors. Problematic Social media Use and Depression Over the past decade, problematic social media use has been identified as a major contributor to the development of depression among university students and existing data indicate a correlation between problematic social media use and depression(31). A meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship between depression and Internet addiction (IA) among adolescents aged 10 to 24, synthesizing data from 42 studies involving 102,769 participants. The analysis confirmed a positive correlation between depression and IA, with adolescents experiencing depressive disorders showing a higher risk of IA, and those with IA exhibiting a higher risk of depressive disorders. Furthermore, IA was found to have a stronger effect on increasing the risk of depression. The findings underscore the bidirectional nature of the relationship between depression and IA in adolescents(32). A cross-sectional study assessed Facebook addiction among 422 Ethiopian university students alongside measures of self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and study habits and results indicated a high prevalence of Facebook addiction among participants, with significant associations found between Facebook addiction and lower academic performance, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression(33). This study also shows similarity with the global findings. Another cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate students at Dilla University aimed to assess the prevalence of problematic Internet use and its associated factors found a high prevalence of problematic Internet use and depression being significantly associated with problematic Internet use(11). The reviewed studies consistently demonstrate a significant association between problematic social media use (PSMU) and depression. However, there is a scarcity of data on the relationship of problematic social media use and depression among Ethiopian university students. Consequently, this study investigates the relationship between depression and problematic social media use in this population. Additionally, it assesses factor that are associated with problematic social media use and depression . Theoretical Framework Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) TPB serves as a fundamental approach for predicting and elucidating diverse behaviors. It aims to discern individuals' intentions to engage in specific actions, focusing on behaviors subject to self-control (34). The key construct is behavioral intent, shaped by perceptions of the likelihood of desired outcomes and subjective assessments of risks and benefits associated with the behavior. The TPB, consisting of six components—attitudes, behavioral intention, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived power, and social norms—has effectively explained various health-related actions. Given its emphasis on intention, motivation, and anticipated outcomes, this model proves pertinent to understanding intentional social media use among university students and forms the foundation for grasping the motivations behind their engagement. Methods Study design The research employed an institutional based cross sectional study method to explore the relationship between the use of social media and depression among undergraduate regular students at Addis Ababa University’s main campus. Sampling Procedure This study targeted 1837 students undertaking their studies at AAU’s main campus, as per the document from the registrar, (2024). The final sample size become 350. In this study, the stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure a representative sample of the student population across different departments and academic years. The total student population of 1837 was divided into strata based on the 16 departments and the four academic years (second, third, fourth, and fifth year). A proportional sample size was determined for each stratum, aiming to select a total of 350 students. After determining the distribution for each stratum, simple random sampling was applied within each subgroup. Research instruments A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data. The social networking usage scale was adopted to capture data on the function of social media utilization(35). The presence of problematic social media use was evaluated using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) consists of six measures that assess the fundamental components of addiction (i.e., salience, mood modification, conflict, withdrawal, tolerance, and relapse). Each question is answered on a 5-point Likert scale resulting in a score ranging from 6 to 30. The BSMAS has been translated into several languages and has shown acceptable psychometric properties across studies (36). In this study Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) was adopted to measure problematic social media use. PHQ 9 scale was adopted to collect data on assessing the level of depression among university students (37). This instrument has nine questions that evaluate the frequency with which patients have had depressed symptoms during the last two weeks. The nine questions closely align with the DSM-V's nine criteria for major depressive disorders. Participants choose from four options: not at all, several days, more than half the days and nearly every day and each question scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), and the total score ranges from 0 to 27. Data Collection Procedures Approval to proceed with data collection was given from the supervisor, then a support letter was taken from the department and submitted to AAU registrar office and each department. The questionnaire was prepared in soft copy to be filled online. Informed consent forms were given to read and sign before agreeing to participate in it. Data Analysis and Presentation This investigation produced quantitative data. Each completed forms were checked for completeness and consistency. Data were entered to MS Excel then exported to SPSS version 29 for analysis. The data on demographic characteristics were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Data on social media utilization and the level of depression were also analyzed through descriptive statistics, explanatory variables such as: sex, department, year of study, frequency of social media use, function of social media use, form of social media us and problematic social media were analyzed first by bivariable analysis. Based on the p-value (< 0.25) of the bivariable analysis, the result of the multivariable analysis was revealed. Data Management and Ethical Considerations A letter was obtained from School of Psychology of Addis Ababa University. Then an official letter of support was submitted to the AAU registrar’s office and each department office of Addis Ababa University's main campus. Confidentiality was maintained at all levels of the study, and the collected information was kept in a secure place. Results Sociodemographic characteristics A total of three hundred sixteen (316) regular undergraduate students from AAU main campus participated. Out of 350 participants, ten (10) were not using any form of social media,14 participants refused to take part when they gave their consent and the remaining 10 participants had an incomplete response, leaving the final sample of 316 participants. From the participants, 72 (22.8%) were from the Department of Law, followed by 40 (12.7%) from the Department of Social Work, and 7.9% from the Department of Psychology. More than half of the participants were male 181(57.3%) and 135(42.7%) were females. The distribution of students across different years of study was 33.9% second year, 28.5% third year, 33.9% fourth year, and 3.8% fifth year. From the social media platforms, telegram is mostly used 309(97.8%) followed by TikTok 224(70.9%) and YouTube 127(40.2%). From the participants, 290(99.2%) use social media platforms to chat with friends, 98.3 percent use social media platforms to get updates on academic dates, 310(97.9%) participant use social media for social networking, 307(97%) participants use social media to watch movies and 65(20.5%) use social media to watch pornography.Table 1 shows the frequency and percentage of social media use purpose among the participants. Table 1 Purpose of Social media use Social media function Frequency Percent 1. Utilizing social media for dating 290 93.8 2. To communicate with relatives 298 94 3.To chat with friends 314 99.2 4.For social networking 310 97.9 5.To consult lectures 305 96.3 6.To prepare for exams 124 39.1 7. To get updates on academic’s dates 311 98.3 8.To watch music videos 300 94.8 9.To watch movies 307 97.0 10. To watch pornography 65 20.5 11. To publish online content 269 85.1 Prevalence of Problematic Social Media Use As of now, there is no standard cutoff point for social media users to say it is problematic or not, but most of the researchers use a cutoff point of 19 and 24 based on the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (39). A study done in Hungary among a Large-Scale Nationally Representative Adolescent Sample tested different cut points to classify PSMU and a cut point of 19 gave a sensitivity of 83%, 99% specificity, 73% PPV, 99% NPV and 98% of accuracy, with this measurement they recommend 19 as an ideal cut point to classify as at risks of PSMU (39). In this study using a cutoff point of 19 on the Bergen social media addiction scale [BSMAS], 54 participants (17.1%) were classified as problematic social media users. This shows that a substantial proportion of the student population exhibits signs of PSMU. The distribution of Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) among different demographic factors reveals significant variation. Among the participants, 19 males, representing 35.2% of the total male participants, exhibit signs of problematic social media use. In contrast, 35 females, which constitute 64.8% of the total female participants, are affected by PSMU. This indicates that a higher proportion of females are experiencing problematic social media use compared to males. The prevalence of PSMU varies significantly across different departments. The Law department has the highest number of PSMU cases, with 12 students (22.2%) affected. Following closely are the Social Work department with 7 cases (13%), Journalism with 5 cases (9.3%), and both Science and Mathematics and Education & Planning departments, each with 5 cases (9.3%). This distribution suggests that certain fields of study may be more susceptible to problematic social media use, possibly due to varying academic pressures or social environments. Considering the year of study, the 2nd-year students show a prevalence of 17 PSMU cases, which accounts for 31.5% of this group. The 3rd-year students have the highest number of cases, with 20 students affected, representing 37% of the total. In the category of 4th year and above, there are 17 PSMU cases, also making up 31.5% of the students in this category. This data indicates that PSMU is relatively evenly distributed across different years of study, though 3rd-year students exhibit a slightly higher tendency towards problematic use. Prevalence of depression A cutoff score of 5 was used to classify whether depression is present on the PHQ-9 depression scale (37). Of the participants, 77 (24.3%) were classified as having depression. Fourteen participants (4.4%) were found to have severe depression and 40 percent were classified as having mild depression. Table 2 shows the frequency and percentage of depression levels among participants. Table 2 Depression Level Among Addis Ababa University Main Campus Regular Students Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Depression level No Depression 239 75.6 75.6 Mild Depression 40 12.7 12.7 Moderate Depression 17 5.4 5.4 Moderate to severe 6 1.9 1.9 Severe Depression 14 4.4 4.4 Total 316 100.0 100.0 Regarding recommendations for social media strategies for reducing the level of depression,260 participants (82.3%) believe that there is a connection between the use of social media and depression. Of the participants who believe there is a connection between the use of social media and depression,52 participants (20%) recommended social media-based strategies to decrease levels of depression. Problematic Social Media Use and Depression In this study, in order to see the relationship between problematic social media use and depression logistic regression analysis was used. Initially bivariant analysis was used and based on the p-value (< 0.25) of the analysis, the result of the multivariable analysis used to determine the presence of relationship between depression and problematic social media use. The analysis reveals that individuals with problematic social media use have a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing depression, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.62 (95% CI: 1.4–1.8: p-value 0.00001). This indicates that these individuals are 62% more likely to suffer from depression compared to non-problematic social media users. The association is highly statistically significant, as evidenced by the very low p-value (0.00001).Table 3 shows logistic regression analysis of depression and problematic social media use Factors Associated With Depression Explanatory variables such as sex, department, year of study, frequency of social media use, function of social media use and form of social media use were analyzed first by bivariable analysis. Based on the p-value (< 0.25) of the bivariable analysis, the result of the multivariable analysis revealed that sex and utilization of social media to watch pornography were significantly associated with depression. Table 3 shows lists of variables linked to depression among undergraduates on AAU main campus. The logistic regression analysis indicates that females are significantly more likely to experience depression compared to males, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.4 (95% CI: 1.328–4.35). The association is statistically significant, as evidenced by the p-value of 0.0001, which suggests a very low probability that this finding is due to chance. The confidence interval further supports this conclusion, as it does not include one and indicates a precise estimate of the increased risk. The logistic regression analysis reveals high association between frequent use of social media for watching pornography and the likelihood of experiencing depression. Individuals who frequently use social media for this purpose are 14.05 times more likely to suffer from depression compared to those who never engage in such activities (AOR = 14.05; 95% CI: 5.9–32). The association is highly statistically significant with a p-value of 0.00001. Table 3 Factors Associated with Depression Level in AAU, Main Campus Undergraduates Explanatory Variable Depression prevalence Bivariate analysis (COR) Multivariate analysis (AOR) P value No Yes Sex of respondents Male 148 33 1 Female 91 44 2.168(1.28–3.6) 2.4(1.328–4.35) 0.04 Frequency of TikTok users Less than one hr. 120 25 1 Above one hr. 119 52 2.097(1.22–3.6) 1.6(0.88–2.9) 0.12 Frequency of YouTube Less than one hr. 51 28 1 Above one hr. 188 49 0.47(0.272–0.829) 0.29 Utilize to watch pornography Never 230 48 1 Often 9 29 15.44(6.89–34.7) 14.05 (5.9–32) 0.0001 Social media use PSMU 4 50 1.65(1.4–1.8) 1.62( 1.4–1.8) 0.0001 No PSMU 235 27 1 Discussion Prevalence of Problematic Social Media Use This study found that 17.1% of the participants show problematic social media use (PSMU), as measured by the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). Although the rates vary, this prevalence is consistent with other studies conducted in different regions. For instance, a survey done in the U.S. among young adults found that 44 percent of the adults were using social media problematically, which is significantly higher than this finding(38). In contrast, a study done among Hungarian university students reported a problematic social media use prevalence of 4.5%, which is lower than this finding(39). Another study found a PSMU prevalence of 10% among Norwegian university students(21). The higher prevalence observed in this study could be due to the increasing accessibility of smartphones, the majority of university students' widespread use of social media, as well as the university's constant access to WIFI, both of which may contribute to increased rates of problematic usage. Due to a variety of methodological problems, including convenience sampling, focusing mostly on college students, and/or having small sample sizes, earlier research revealed a broad range of prevalence rates (40,41,42,43). For example, among undergraduates of Nigerian universities, the proportion of problematic social media users was 1.6% (44). On the other hand, 47% of Malaysian college students reported PSMU (43). Additionally, the prevalence variation might also have resulted from the scale used to assess social media use, the cutoff point used to classify participants as problematic and non-problematic can also contribute to the significant difference among studies. Prevalence of Depression According to the PHQ-9 scale, 24.3% of individuals met the criteria for depression, with 4.4% experiencing severe depression. This finding is comparable to other studies. In a study done among freshman at Addis Ababa university main campus students, the prevalence of depression was 27.7% which is similar to this finding, though the study was done among first-year students(45). A study done across 23 countries found that a prevalence of 20.3% for major depressive disorder among university students, closely matches this finding(46). The high prevalence of depression in this study could be due to academic pressures, and financial difficulties which can contribute to psychological distress. Furthermore, the socio-political condition (ongoing war in Ethiopia for those who came from war zone areas), and economic instability in Ethiopia may exacerbate these stressors, leading to higher levels of depression among students. Relationship Between Problematic Social Media Use and Depression This study revealed that a significant positive correlation between problematic social media use and depression. Those Students who were classified as problematic social media users were more likely to report higher levels of depression. This relationship is supported by previous research. For instance, a study found that excessive social media use is associated with increased depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among adolescents and young adults(15). A meta-analysis found that problematic social media use is positively associated with depression(47). Another study done in USA among young adults found that individuals with higher social media use were significantly more likely to report depression symptoms(38). Exposure to idealized pictures and the pressure to uphold an online identity can exacerbate poor self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy, which are recognized previously as depression risk factors. (48). In most reviewed studies problematic social media use was strongly associated with depression levels among university students. Frequency and Forms of Social Media Use In this study increased depression levels were linked to higher social media usage frequency, yet multivariate analysis could not find a statistically significant correlation. This shows that although using social media often may increase the risk of depression, other important variables also need to be considered. In contrast, a study done in U.S reported that excessive screen time, including social media use, is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety among adolescents(49). This study's finding suggests that the way students engage with social media is more important than the amount of time spent on it Demographic Factor This study identified gender and specific uses of social media (watching pornography) as significant predictors of depression. Female students and those students who frequently use social media to watch pornography had higher odds of experiencing depression. This finding shows a similarity with those of Norwegian university students that female students use social media problematically(21). Additionally, a study found that female adolescents are more likely to experience depression related to social media use than males, supporting this finding of gender difference in the impact of social media use(4). Regarding the association between watching pornography and depression, a research explored that frequent exposure to online pornography is associated with higher levels of psychological distress and depressive symptoms among young adults, which is similar to this study(50). Limitations This study specifically targeted undergraduates at AAU's main campus. Consequently, conclusions drawn from this study apply to university students with similar socio-demographic characteristics. The study is specifically designed to investigate the relationship between social media use and depression. As a result, the findings should not be used to generalize other psychiatric conditions like anxiety, and stress that are affected by social media use. Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusion The current study identified significant problematic social media use among addis ababa university main campus students. There was strong evidence of association between problematic social media use and depression indicating that students with higher levels of problematic social media use are more likely to experience depression. Additionally, a significant association was observed between depression and female undergraduate students, and significant association was also found between depression and those who use social media to watch pornography. Recommendations Based on the result of this study, the following recommendations were forwarded to different stakeholders: For University students - Practice healthy Social Media Use: Establish specific time limits for social media usage and take regular breaks to prevent excessive use. - Engage in Offline Activities: Balance online activities with offline pursuits such as physical exercise, joining clubs, and participating in face-to-face social interactions. - Monitor Consumption:Students at universities should employ a variety of designs, such as setting screen time limits and utilizing apps to restrict internet access, to reduce their use of social media. - Seek Support: Utilize university counseling services if experiencing overwhelming social media use or symptoms of depression. 2. For Student Clinic and Counselors - Early Detection and Intervention: Implement screening tools to identify students at risk of problematic social media use and depression. - Individual and Group Therapy: Offer both individual and group therapy sessions focused on managing social media use and coping with depression. - Collaborate with Departments: Work closely with academic departments to identify students who may benefit from counseling services. 3.For Counseling Psychology Department - Develop Targeted Programs: Create specialized counseling programs aimed at addressing problematic social media use and its psychological impacts. - Awareness Campaigns: Conduct regular workshops and seminars to educate students about the potential mental health risks associated with excessive social media use. 4. For Universities and colleges - Integrate Mental Health Education: Include mental health awareness and digital literacy in the curriculum to help students understand the impacts of social media. - Provide Resources: Allocate resources for mental health services and ensure students have easy access to counseling and support. - Promote Healthy Social Media Use: Encourage the development of healthy social media habits through university-wide campaigns and initiatives. 5.For Mental Health Advocates - Raise Awareness: Organize and participate in campaigns to educate students about the mental health risks associated with problematic social media use and promote healthy digital habits. - Promote Digital Literacy: Advocate for the integration of digital literacy programs in educational institutions to help students understand the impact of social media on mental health. - Facilitate Access to Resources: Ensure that students are aware of and have easy access to mental health resources and support services available on and off-campus. - Advocate for Policy Changes: Work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that promote responsible social media use and support mental health initiatives in educational settings. - Collaborate with Institutions: Partner with universities, colleges, and schools to design and implement mental health programs targeted to address issues related to social media use. 6. For Ministry of Health - National Awareness Campaigns: Launch national campaigns to raise awareness about the mental health impacts of problematic social media use. - Support Research and Training: Fund research on social media use and mental health, and provide training for healthcare professionals on how to address these issues. - Mental Health Services in Universities: Ensure that all universities have access to adequate mental health services and support structures. 7. For Policy Makers - Regulate Social Media Use: Develop policies that promote responsible social media use among young people.In this finding, pornography shows a strong association with depression in those who use social media to watch such content, so the country should restrict websites that generate pornographic content - Support Mental Health Programs: Allocate funding for mental health programs in educational institutions. Future Research Directions To determine the causal linkages between problematic social media usage and depression, future researchers should focus on longitudinal studies. Additionally, exploring the effective interventions that reduce problematic social media use and its outcomes would be valuable. Qualitative assessments may also help to enhance the directionality of problematic social media use and depression symptoms. Furthermore, assessment of other mental health conditions like anxiety, and stress would help to generalize and widen the scope of the study. Abbreviations AAU Addis Ababa University AOR Adjusted Odds Ratio BSMAS Bergen’s Social Media Addiction Scale CI Confidence Interval DSM Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders EDPM Education and Planning Management MDD Major Depressive Disorder NPV Negative Predictive Value NR Non response PHQ-9 Patient Health Questionnaire 9 PPV Positive Predictive Value PSMU Problematic social media use SMU Social media use SPSS Software Program for Social Science TPB Theory of Planned Behavior WHO World Health Organization USA United States of America Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate This study was conducted with the support and approval of Addis Ababa University, School of Psychology, which provided a support letter allowing the research to proceed. The research was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. All participants provided informed consent before taking part in the survey. Participants were fully informed about the purpose of the study, the procedures involved, and any potential risks or benefits. Participation was entirely voluntary, and participants were assured that their responses would remain confidential and used solely for research purposes. Consent for publication Not applicable Availability of data and materials The data and materials used in this study are available upon reasonable request. Due to privacy concerns and institutional policies, the data cannot be made publicly accessible. Interested parties may contact [email protected] to request access to the data and materials. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Funding This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not for profit sectors. All expenses related to the study, including data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation, were self-funded. Author Contributions: 1.Haileleul Mekonnen: Led the research, including the study design, data collection, data analysis, manuscript drafting, and revision. Managed research coordination and ensured overall quality and integrity of the research. Corresponding author. 2.Bemnet Yacobe: Participated in data collection. Provided feedback on the manuscript. 3. Assamin Assafaw : Assisted with data collection and provided feedback on the manuscript. 4. Hiwotemedhin Aberra : Contributed to data collection, the interpretation of results and and reviewed and provided feedback on the manuscript. Acknowledgements Not applicable References Smith A, Anderson M. Social media use in 2018: A majority of Americans use Facebook and YouTube, but young adults are especially heavy users of Snapchat and Instagram. Pew Research Center; 2018. Boyd DM, Ellison NB. 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Psychology of Popular Media Culture 2019;8:329–45. https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000203. Hancock K, Keast H, Ellis W. The impact of cyber dating abuse on self-esteem: The mediating role of emotional distress. Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace 2017;11. https://doi.org/10.5817/cp2017-2-2. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-5013155","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":353399353,"identity":"b04cefa4-7883-427e-97a7-f700a9eb3913","order_by":0,"name":"Haileleul Mekonnen","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"Addis Ababa University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Haileleul","middleName":"","lastName":"Mekonnen","suffix":""},{"id":353399354,"identity":"ee5fcbd3-8e14-48fb-bd64-f368f49e8629","order_by":1,"name":"Bemnet Yacobe","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Eka kotebe General Hospital","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Bemnet","middleName":"","lastName":"Yacobe","suffix":""},{"id":353399355,"identity":"770bf3b0-af94-433a-85f5-32bb71bff217","order_by":2,"name":"Assamin Assafaw","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Addis Ababa University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Assamin","middleName":"","lastName":"Assafaw","suffix":""},{"id":353399356,"identity":"31e32fd5-5abf-40ae-8ee7-dc582b30a63e","order_by":3,"name":"Hiwotemedhin Aberra","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Addis Ababa University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hiwotemedhin","middleName":"","lastName":"Aberra","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-09-01 13:39:55","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5013155/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5013155/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":67685357,"identity":"9c8458e5-33d1-4e6f-b5a8-c55c67b0323a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-10-28 16:31:39","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":898213,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5013155/v1/db19a8ff-afab-4efe-b3c1-0a367ae0a7c5.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Problematic Social Media Use and Depression among Addis Ababa University Regular Undergraduate Students: Institutional based Cross Sectional Study","fulltext":[{"header":"Background to the Study","content":"\u003cp\u003eSocial media is a way of communication that is an electronic communication platform, such as websites for social networking, where individuals create virtual communities to share information, ideas, and personal messages (1). It is a global phenomenon, connecting people worldwide and creating a sense of a smaller, interconnected village.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn recent years, the ubiquitous presence of social media platforms has profoundly influenced the lives of young adults worldwide, including university students. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer unprecedented opportunities for connectivity, information sharing, and social interaction (2). However, alongside these benefits, concerns have arisen regarding the potential adverse effects of excessive social media use on mental health, particularly its association with depression among young adults.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudies have demonstrated that increased engagement with social media can lead to declines in subjective well-being and heightened levels of depressive symptoms among young adults in various cultural contexts(3,4). A Meta-analytic findings further shows the consistent association between problematic social media use and increased risk of depression across diverse populations(5).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, a study explored social media patterns among pharmaceutical undergraduates at Kenyatta University, emphasizing WhatsApp and YouTube as primary platforms for leisure and academic information sharing(6). These findings emphasize the high social media usage among university students and warrant an examination of its potential correlation with depression levels.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDepression is a global mental health concern that affects over three million individuals worldwide, with major depressive disorder (MDD) contributing significantly to disability. In the U.S., approximately 16.1\u0026nbsp;million aged 15 to 44 experience major depressive disorder annually. Africa, including Ethiopia, faces substantial challenges, with millions affected by depressive disorders (7).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmong university students, Numerous studies highlight the alarming rates of depression among university students(8). The effects of depression extend beyond mental and academic performance(9,10). To address this issue, understanding the causes of depression is crucial, making the proposed study on the relationship between social media use and depression among university students at Addis Ababa University.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Ethiopia, the rapid expansion of social media usage has paralleled the country's increasing access to the internet, particularly among young adults and university students. A Study done on the prevalence and factors associated with problematic internet use among Dilla university students found that a high prevalence of problematic Internet use and there were various factors associated with increased prevalence of problematic Internet use(11). Although this study tried to highlight the prevalence of internet use among university students, it didn't show problematic social media use which is different from the general problematic internet use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere are few literatures that showed the prevalence of social media use and associated factors among different university students. However, on manual and different journal searches, there is scarce literature that reveals the relationship between problematic social media use and depression rate among Ethiopian university students, including the current study area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, this study addressed important interconnected factors that could be managed by stakeholders. It aimed in providing students with information on safe, beneficial, and healthy Internet practices and to help control psychological issues among them. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating how widespread problematic social media use is and its relationship with depression among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStatement of the Problem\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the continuous evolution of technology, the increase in internet coverage, and the regular emergence of social media applications, young people have increasingly shifted towards online interactions rather than traditional face-to-face communication. Various activities are now predominantly conducted through diverse online social media platforms.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs of April 2024, globally social media users reached 5.07\u0026nbsp;billion, with an additional 2259\u0026nbsp;million users in the last 12 months, resulting in 62.9% worldwide social media usage (12). This data shows the rapid increase in the social media users with a significant proportion being young people.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the United States of America (U.S.A), digital consumers spend approximately 2.5 hours daily on online socializing, with 69% of adults using more than one social media platform. On average, an American internet user has 7.1 social media accounts, and 88% of U.S. citizens' social media users aged 18 to 29 find it challenging to function without social media. These statistics highlight the prevalent use of social media, especially among young adults and university students (12).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExisting literature highlights the heightened use of social media among young individuals, particularly those enrolled in universities. A study conducted which revealed that university students are among the most active users of social media, utilizing these platforms for both academic and social purposes(13). Similarly, another study found that a significant proportion of university students spend multiple hours daily on social media(14).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA systematic review revealed that the prevalence of problematic social media use among university students ranges from 13\u0026ndash;31%(15). In the United States, a study found that approximately 29% of university students reported experiencing problematic social media use(4).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeta-analytic findings further showed the consistent association between problematic social media use and negative mental health outcomes among university students. Another meta-analysis found an average prevalence of 24.5% for problematic social media use among this demographic(5). The analysis confirmed consistent associations between problematic use and increased risk of depression. Additionally, a study in China noted that 22.3% of Chinese university students met the criteria for problematic social media use, with female students more likely to report such behaviors compared to male students(16).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConcurrently, a literature review has revealed varying levels of depression among university students on a global scale. A reported that a substantial percentage of university students experience depressive symptoms(8). A study in Saudi Arabia found that the prevalence of depression among university students was notably high, highlighting the mental health challenges faced by this demographic(17). A study that determine the associations between depression, sociodemographic, social and health variables among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria identified high levels of depressive symptoms among university students(18). Another study further illustrated the severity of this problem in Kenya, where a significant proportion of university students were found to suffer from moderate to severe depression(19).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe relationship between problematic social media use and depression among university students is a significant concern globally, with research highlighting consistent patterns across different areas. A meta-analytical study have demonstrated a robust positive correlation between social media addiction and depressive symptoms among college students, showed the widespread nature of this issue(20).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese findings collectively suggest that while social media provides valuable benefits for university students, such as enhanced communication and information sharing, it also poses risks to their mental health, particularly in the form of increased depressive symptoms.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiven the observable surge in social media utilization and the concurrent rise in depression levels among undergraduates, it becomes imperative to investigate the potential correlation between social media use and depression in this population.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite the global and regional recognition of these issues, there is a lack of comprehensive research focused on Ethiopian university students, particularly those at Addis Ababa University. This gap in knowledge suggests the need for this study to assess the prevalence and impact of problematic social media use on depression among regular undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eObjective of the study\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eGeneral objective\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe major objective of the study is to examine the relationship between problematic social media use and depression levels among Addis Ababa University\u0026rsquo;s main campus undergraduates.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eSpecific Objectives\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo determine the prevalence of problematic social media use among students at Addis Ababa University\u0026rsquo;s main campus.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo examine the relationship between problematic social media use and the presence of depression symptoms among students at Addis Ababa University\u0026rsquo;s main campus.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e To determine the association between demographic factors and the level of depression among students at Addis Ababa University\u0026rsquo;s main campus.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSignificance of the study\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe rise of social media has revolutionized the way individuals communicate, interact, and share information. This transformation is particularly pronounced among university students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study, focusing on Addis Ababa University main campus regular undergraduate students, aims to explore the prevalence and relationship of problematic social media use (PSMU) and depression. The significance of this study lies in its potential to fill critical research gaps, inform policy and intervention strategies, and contribute to the broader understanding of social media's impact on mental health within an Ethiopian context.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne of the primary significance of this study is its potential to address a notable research gap. While numerous studies have explored the relationship between social media use and mental health in Western contexts, there is a scarcity of research focusing on African populations, particularly Ethiopian university students. This study will provide much-needed empirical data on the prevalence of PSMU and its correlation with depression among Addis Ababa University students, offering insights that are directly relevant to the Ethiopian context.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDepression are often under-recognized and under-treated in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. This study aims to raise awareness about the potential mental health risks associated with excessive social media use. By highlighting the prevalence of PSMU and its association with depression, the study can contribute to a broader understanding of these issues among students, faculty, and administrators at Addis Ababa University. Increased awareness can lead to more proactive measures to identify and support students struggling with mental health issues, ultimately fostering a healthier university environment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings of this study have significant implications for policy and intervention strategies at Addis Ababa University and potentially other educational institutions in Ethiopia. Understanding the relationship between social media use and depression can inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at promoting healthy social media habits and improving mental health support services. Additionally, mental health services could be tailored to address the specific needs of students who exhibit signs of PSMU and depression, ensuring timely and effective support.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study can serve as a foundation for future research in the area of social media use and mental health among Ethiopian students. By providing empirical data and insights, it can stimulate further investigations into the causal mechanisms underlying the relationship between PSMU and depression.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e While this study is localized to Addis Ababa University, its findings will contribute to the global literature on social media use and mental health. By providing data from a non-Western context, the study can enhance the diversity and comprehensiveness of existing research.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor educators and administrators, the study provides evidence-based insights that can inform the development of curricula and programs aimed at promoting digital literacy and mental well-being. Health professionals, including counselors and psychologists, can use the findings to enhance their understanding of the digital behaviors of university students and tailor their interventions accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBy addressing a critical research gap, enhancing mental health awareness, informing policy and intervention strategies, guiding future research, and contributing to global literature, the study holds the potential to make a substantial impact on the understanding and management of mental health issues related to social media use. The practical applications of the study's findings can lead to improved mental health and academic performance, promoting the holistic development of students and encouraging responsible social media use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUltimately, this study aims to contribute to the well-being of university students and foster a healthier, more supportive educational environment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eLiterature review\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eProblematic Social Media Use Prevalence\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProblematic Social Media Use(PSMU) has been defined as the excessive, compulsive, or dysfunctional use of social media platforms, leading to negative consequences such as impaired daily functioning, psychological distress, or interference with real-life relationships(21).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProblematic social media use among university students varies widely, with reported rates ranging from 0.8\u0026ndash;47.7% in different studies(22, 23). The majority of research indicates that excessive internet usage negatively impacts physical health, family relationships, and academic achievement.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudies conducted in various countries have showed significantly different estimates. For instance, the prevalence of problematic Internet use among college students was very low in Italy 0.8% (22). Whereas in the UK, the prevalence rate has been reported as high as 18%(24).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA study in Japan investigated the prevalence and assessment of Internet addiction (IA) among college students through cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2014 and 2016, involving 1005 respondents with a mean age of 18.9 years. The findings revealed that 21.6% of students found to have internet addicted which is highly prevalent among college students(25).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA pilot study conducted at Ugandan public university among medical students examined the association between problematic internet, social media, and smartphone use with depression symptoms. The study found that 16.73% of the students reported moderate to severe depression symptoms. Prevalence rates for being at risk of smartphone addiction were 45.72%, social media addiction 74.34%, and internet addiction 8.55%(26).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eA study conducted at Dilla University, Ethiopia, found a high prevalence of problematic Internet use among undergraduate students, with 19.4% exhibiting symptoms according to Young's internet Addiction Test(11). Significant factors associated with this behavior included male gender, depression, and the consumption of khat or caffeinated drinks. This finding is comparable with the global studies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEven though problematic Internet use is becoming a serious problem and highly prevalent across the world, there is no much study done among ethiopian university students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePrevalence of Depression Among University Students\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eDepression among university students has been extensively studied due to its significant impact on mental health and academic performance. Various studies have highlighted the prevalence and associated factors contributing to depression in this population.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eA systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of depression among Chinese university students, compiling data from 113 studies retrieved through electronic databases revealed the overall prevalence of depression 28.4%. The findings underscored a persistently high prevalence of depression among Chinese university students(27).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother systematic review done on the prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students in low- and middle-income countries based on data extracted from 37 studies published between 2009 and 2018 found that the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students was estimated to be 24.4%, highlighting a substantial burden of depression in this population(28).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eA meta-analysis and comprehensive review conducted to observe the prevalence of depression among university students in Ethiopia found a pooled prevalence of depression of 28.13% where significant factors associated with depression included being female, being a first-year student, and having a family history of mental illness(29). This study revealed that more than one-fourth of students at Ethiopian universities experienced depression.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eA study done to determine the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among Ambo University students,Ethiopia indicated that 32.2% of the participants were experiencing depression. Factors significantly associated with depression included being female, with females being four times more likely to experience depression compared to males(30).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe collective findings from various studies examining the prevalence of depression among university students across the globe reveal a significant mental health challenge affecting this population. Across different universities and regions, prevalence rates vary but consistently highlight a substantial burden of depression. Studies consistently identify being female, being a first-year student, having a family history of mental illness, and engaging in substance use as common factors associated with higher rates of depression. The prevalence ranges from 4.4% to as high as 35.52%, showing the variability across different settings and demographic factors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eProblematic Social media Use and Depression\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eOver the past decade, problematic social media use has been identified as a major contributor to the development of depression among university students and existing data indicate a correlation between problematic social media use and depression(31).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eA meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship between depression and Internet addiction (IA) among adolescents aged 10 to 24, synthesizing data from 42 studies involving 102,769 participants. The analysis confirmed a positive correlation between depression and IA, with adolescents experiencing depressive disorders showing a higher risk of IA, and those with IA exhibiting a higher risk of depressive disorders. Furthermore, IA was found to have a stronger effect on increasing the risk of depression. The findings underscore the bidirectional nature of the relationship between depression and IA in adolescents(32).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional study assessed Facebook addiction among 422 Ethiopian university students alongside measures of self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and study habits and results indicated a high prevalence of Facebook addiction among participants, with significant associations found between Facebook addiction and lower academic performance, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression(33). This study also shows similarity with the global findings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate students at Dilla University aimed to assess the prevalence of problematic Internet use and its associated factors found a high prevalence of problematic Internet use and depression being significantly associated with problematic Internet use(11).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe reviewed studies consistently demonstrate a significant association between problematic social media use (PSMU) and depression. However, there is a scarcity of data on the relationship of problematic social media use and depression among Ethiopian university students. Consequently, this study investigates the relationship between depression and problematic social media use in this population. Additionally, it assesses factor that are associated with problematic social media use and depression .\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTheoretical Framework\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTheory of Planned Behavior (TPB)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTPB serves as a fundamental approach for predicting and elucidating diverse behaviors. It aims to discern individuals' intentions to engage in specific actions, focusing on behaviors subject to self-control (34). The key construct is behavioral intent, shaped by perceptions of the likelihood of desired outcomes and subjective assessments of risks and benefits associated with the behavior. The TPB, consisting of six components\u0026mdash;attitudes, behavioral intention, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived power, and social norms\u0026mdash;has effectively explained various health-related actions. Given its emphasis on intention, motivation, and anticipated outcomes, this model proves pertinent to understanding intentional social media use among university students and forms the foundation for grasping the motivations behind their engagement.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e "},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy design\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe research employed an institutional based cross sectional study method to explore the relationship between the use of social media and depression among undergraduate regular students at Addis Ababa University\u0026rsquo;s main campus.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSampling Procedure\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study targeted 1837 students undertaking their studies at AAU\u0026rsquo;s main campus, as per the document from the registrar, (2024). The final sample size become 350. In this study, the stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure a representative sample of the student population across different departments and academic years.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe total student population of 1837 was divided into strata based on the 16 departments and the four academic years (second, third, fourth, and fifth year). A proportional sample size was determined for each stratum, aiming to select a total of 350 students. After determining the distribution for each stratum, simple random sampling was applied within each subgroup.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eResearch instruments\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data. The social networking usage scale was adopted to capture data on the function of social media utilization(35).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe presence of problematic social media use was evaluated using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) consists of six measures that assess the fundamental components of addiction (i.e., salience, mood modification, conflict, withdrawal, tolerance, and relapse). Each question is answered on a 5-point Likert scale resulting in a score ranging from 6 to 30. The BSMAS has been translated into several languages and has shown acceptable psychometric properties across studies (36). In this study Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) was adopted to measure problematic social media use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePHQ 9 scale was adopted to collect data on assessing the level of depression among university students (37). This instrument has nine questions that evaluate the frequency with which patients have had depressed symptoms during the last two weeks. The nine questions closely align with the DSM-V's nine criteria for major depressive disorders. Participants choose from four options: not at all, several days, more than half the days and nearly every day and each question scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), and the total score ranges from 0 to 27.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Collection Procedures\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eApproval to proceed with data collection was given from the supervisor, then a support letter was taken from the department and submitted to AAU registrar office and each department. The questionnaire was prepared in soft copy to be filled online. Informed consent forms were given to read and sign before agreeing to participate in it.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Analysis and Presentation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis investigation produced quantitative data. Each completed forms were checked for completeness and consistency. Data were entered to MS Excel then exported to SPSS version 29 for analysis. The data on demographic characteristics were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Data on social media utilization and the level of depression were also analyzed through descriptive statistics, explanatory variables such as: sex, department, year of study, frequency of social media use, function of social media use, form of social media us and problematic social media were analyzed first by bivariable analysis. Based on the p-value (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.25) of the bivariable analysis, the result of the multivariable analysis was revealed.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Management and Ethical Considerations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e A letter was obtained from School of Psychology of Addis Ababa University. Then an official letter of support was submitted to the AAU registrar\u0026rsquo;s office and each department office of Addis Ababa University's main campus. Confidentiality was maintained at all levels of the study, and the collected information was kept in a secure place.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSociodemographic characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA total of three hundred sixteen (316) regular undergraduate students from AAU main campus participated. Out of 350 participants, ten (10) were not using any form of social media,14 participants refused to take part when they gave their consent and the remaining 10 participants had an incomplete response, leaving the final sample of 316 participants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom the participants, 72 (22.8%) were from the Department of Law, followed by 40 (12.7%) from the Department of Social Work, and 7.9% from the Department of Psychology. More than half of the participants were male 181(57.3%) and 135(42.7%) were females.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe distribution of students across different years of study was 33.9% second year, 28.5% third year, 33.9% fourth year, and 3.8% fifth year.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom the social media platforms, telegram is mostly used 309(97.8%) followed by TikTok 224(70.9%) and YouTube 127(40.2%).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom the participants, 290(99.2%) use social media platforms to chat with friends, 98.3 percent use social media platforms to get updates on academic dates, 310(97.9%) participant use social media for social networking, 307(97%) participants use social media to watch movies and 65(20.5%) use social media to watch pornography.Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e shows the frequency and percentage of social media use purpose among the participants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePurpose of Social media use\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocial media function\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1. Utilizing social media for dating\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e290\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e93.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2. To communicate with relatives\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e298\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.To chat with friends\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e314\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e99.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.For social networking\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e310\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.To consult lectures\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e305\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e96.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.To prepare for exams\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e124\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7. To get updates on academic\u0026rsquo;s dates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e311\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e98.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.To watch music videos\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e300\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.To watch movies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e307\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10. To watch pornography\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11. To publish online content\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e269\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePrevalence of Problematic Social Media Use\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs of now, there is no standard cutoff point for social media users to say it is problematic or not, but most of the researchers use a cutoff point of 19 and 24 based on the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (39). A study done in Hungary among a Large-Scale Nationally Representative Adolescent Sample tested different cut points to classify PSMU and a cut point of 19 gave a sensitivity of 83%, 99% specificity, 73% PPV, 99% NPV and 98% of accuracy, with this measurement they recommend 19 as an ideal cut point to classify as at risks of PSMU (39).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study using a cutoff point of 19 on the Bergen social media addiction scale [BSMAS], 54 participants (17.1%) were classified as problematic social media users. This shows that a substantial proportion of the student population exhibits signs of PSMU.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe distribution of Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) among different demographic factors reveals significant variation. Among the participants, 19 males, representing 35.2% of the total male participants, exhibit signs of problematic social media use. In contrast, 35 females, which constitute 64.8% of the total female participants, are affected by PSMU. This indicates that a higher proportion of females are experiencing problematic social media use compared to males.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of PSMU varies significantly across different departments. The Law department has the highest number of PSMU cases, with 12 students (22.2%) affected. Following closely are the Social Work department with 7 cases (13%), Journalism with 5 cases (9.3%), and both Science and Mathematics and Education \u0026amp; Planning departments, each with 5 cases (9.3%). This distribution suggests that certain fields of study may be more susceptible to problematic social media use, possibly due to varying academic pressures or social environments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering the year of study, the 2nd-year students show a prevalence of 17 PSMU cases, which accounts for 31.5% of this group. The 3rd-year students have the highest number of cases, with 20 students affected, representing 37% of the total. In the category of 4th year and above, there are 17 PSMU cases, also making up 31.5% of the students in this category. This data indicates that PSMU is relatively evenly distributed across different years of study, though 3rd-year students exhibit a slightly higher tendency towards problematic use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePrevalence of depression\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA cutoff score of 5 was used to classify whether depression is present on the PHQ-9 depression scale (37). Of the participants, 77 (24.3%) were classified as having depression. Fourteen participants (4.4%) were found to have severe depression and 40 percent were classified as having mild depression. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows the frequency and percentage of depression levels among participants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDepression Level Among Addis Ababa University Main Campus Regular Students\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eValid Percent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCumulative Percent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDepression level\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo Depression\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e239\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMild Depression\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModerate Depression\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModerate to severe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSevere Depression\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e316\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding recommendations for social media strategies for reducing the level of depression,260 participants (82.3%) believe that there is a connection between the use of social media and depression.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOf the participants who believe there is a connection between the use of social media and depression,52 participants (20%) recommended social media-based strategies to decrease levels of depression.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eProblematic Social Media Use and Depression\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, in order to see the relationship between problematic social media use and depression logistic regression analysis was used. Initially bivariant analysis was used and based on the p-value (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.25) of the analysis, the result of the multivariable analysis used to determine the presence of relationship between depression and problematic social media use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe analysis reveals that individuals with problematic social media use have a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing depression, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.62 (95% CI: 1.4\u0026ndash;1.8: p-value 0.00001). This indicates that these individuals are 62% more likely to suffer from depression compared to non-problematic social media users. The association is highly statistically significant, as evidenced by the very low p-value (0.00001).Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e shows logistic regression analysis of depression and problematic social media use\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFactors Associated With Depression\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eExplanatory variables such as sex, department, year of study, frequency of social media use, function of social media use and form of social media use were analyzed first by bivariable analysis. Based on the p-value (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.25) of the bivariable analysis, the result of the multivariable analysis revealed that sex and utilization of social media to watch pornography were significantly associated with depression. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e shows lists of variables linked to depression among undergraduates on AAU main campus.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe logistic regression analysis indicates that females are significantly more likely to experience depression compared to males, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.4 (95% CI: 1.328\u0026ndash;4.35). The association is statistically significant, as evidenced by the p-value of 0.0001, which suggests a very low probability that this finding is due to chance. The confidence interval further supports this conclusion, as it does not include one and indicates a precise estimate of the increased risk.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe logistic regression analysis reveals high association between frequent use of social media for watching pornography and the likelihood of experiencing depression. Individuals who frequently use social media for this purpose are 14.05 times more likely to suffer from depression compared to those who never engage in such activities (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;14.05; 95% CI: 5.9\u0026ndash;32). The association is highly statistically significant with a p-value of 0.00001.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFactors Associated with Depression Level in AAU, Main Campus Undergraduates\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExplanatory Variable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDepression prevalence\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBivariate analysis (COR)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultivariate analysis (AOR)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSex of respondents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e148\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.168(1.28\u0026ndash;3.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2.4(1.328\u0026ndash;4.35)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency of TikTok users\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLess than one hr.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e120\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbove one hr.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e119\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.097(1.22\u0026ndash;3.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.6(0.88\u0026ndash;2.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency of YouTube\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLess than one hr.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbove one hr.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e188\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.47(0.272\u0026ndash;0.829)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUtilize to watch pornography\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e230\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOften\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.44(6.89\u0026ndash;34.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e14.05\u003c/b\u003e(5.9\u0026ndash;32)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocial media use\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePSMU\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.65(1.4\u0026ndash;1.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.62(\u003c/b\u003e1.4\u0026ndash;1.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo PSMU\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e235\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePrevalence of Problematic Social Media Use\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study found that 17.1% of the participants show problematic social media use (PSMU), as measured by the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). Although the rates vary, this prevalence is consistent with other studies conducted in different regions. For instance, a survey done in the U.S. among young adults found that 44 percent of the adults were using social media problematically, which is significantly higher than this finding(38).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn contrast, a study done among Hungarian university students reported a problematic social media use prevalence of 4.5%, which is lower than this finding(39). Another study found a PSMU prevalence of 10% among Norwegian university students(21).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe higher prevalence observed in this study could be due to the increasing accessibility of smartphones, the majority of university students' widespread use of social media, as well as the university's constant access to WIFI, both of which may contribute to increased rates of problematic usage.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDue to a variety of methodological problems, including convenience sampling, focusing mostly on college students, and/or having small sample sizes, earlier research revealed a broad range of prevalence rates (40,41,42,43). For example, among undergraduates of Nigerian universities, the proportion of problematic social media users was 1.6% (44). On the other hand, 47% of Malaysian college students reported PSMU (43).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the prevalence variation might also have resulted from the scale used to assess social media use, the cutoff point used to classify participants as problematic and non-problematic can also contribute to the significant difference among studies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrevalence of Depression\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to the PHQ-9 scale, 24.3% of individuals met the criteria for depression, with 4.4% experiencing severe depression. This finding is comparable to other studies. In a study done among freshman at Addis Ababa university main campus students, the prevalence of depression was 27.7% which is similar to this finding, though the study was done among first-year students(45).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA study done across 23 countries found that a prevalence of 20.3% for major depressive disorder among university students, closely matches this finding(46).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe high prevalence of depression in this study could be due to academic pressures, and financial difficulties which can contribute to psychological distress. Furthermore, the socio-political condition (ongoing war in Ethiopia for those who came from war zone areas), and economic instability in Ethiopia may exacerbate these stressors, leading to higher levels of depression among students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec28\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRelationship Between Problematic Social Media Use and Depression\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study revealed that a significant positive correlation between problematic social media use and depression. Those Students who were classified as problematic social media users were more likely to report higher levels of depression. This relationship is supported by previous research. For instance, a study found that excessive social media use is associated with increased depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among adolescents and young adults(15). A meta-analysis found that problematic social media use is positively associated with depression(47).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother study done in USA among young adults found that individuals with higher social media use were significantly more likely to report depression symptoms(38). Exposure to idealized pictures and the pressure to uphold an online identity can exacerbate poor self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy, which are recognized previously as depression risk factors. (48).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn most reviewed studies problematic social media use was strongly associated with depression levels among university students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec29\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFrequency and Forms of Social Media Use\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study increased depression levels were linked to higher social media usage frequency, yet multivariate analysis could not find a statistically significant correlation. This shows that although using social media often may increase the risk of depression, other important variables also need to be considered. In contrast, a study done in U.S reported that excessive screen time, including social media use, is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety among adolescents(49).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study's finding suggests that the way students engage with social media is more important than the amount of time spent on it\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec30\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eDemographic Factor\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study identified gender and specific uses of social media (watching pornography) as significant predictors of depression. Female students and those students who frequently use social media to watch pornography had higher odds of experiencing depression. This finding shows a similarity with those of Norwegian university students that female students use social media problematically(21).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, a study found that female adolescents are more likely to experience depression related to social media use than males, supporting this finding of gender difference in the impact of social media use(4).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding the association between watching pornography and depression, a research explored that frequent exposure to online pornography is associated with higher levels of psychological distress and depressive symptoms among young adults, which is similar to this study(50).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec31\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eLimitations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study specifically targeted undergraduates at AAU's main campus. Consequently, conclusions drawn from this study apply to university students with similar socio-demographic characteristics. The study is specifically designed to investigate the relationship between social media use and depression. As a result, the findings should not be used to generalize other psychiatric conditions like anxiety, and stress that are affected by social media use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion and Recommendations","content":"\n\u003ch3\u003eConclusion\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe current study identified significant problematic social media use among addis ababa university main campus students. There was strong evidence of association between problematic social media use and depression indicating that students with higher levels of problematic social media use are more likely to experience depression. Additionally, a significant association was observed between depression and female undergraduate students, and significant association was also found between depression and those who use social media to watch pornography.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec34\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRecommendations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the result of this study, the following recommendations were forwarded to different stakeholders:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eFor University students\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Practice healthy Social Media Use: Establish specific time limits for social media usage and take regular breaks to prevent excessive use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Engage in Offline Activities: Balance online activities with offline pursuits such as physical exercise, joining clubs, and participating in face-to-face social interactions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Monitor Consumption:Students at universities should employ a variety of designs, such as setting screen time limits and utilizing apps to restrict internet access, to reduce their use of social media.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Seek Support: Utilize university counseling services if experiencing overwhelming social media use or symptoms of depression.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e2. For Student Clinic and Counselors\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Early Detection and Intervention: Implement screening tools to identify students at risk of problematic social media use and depression.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Individual and Group Therapy: Offer both individual and group therapy sessions focused on managing social media use and coping with depression.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Collaborate with Departments: Work closely with academic departments to identify students who may benefit from counseling services.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e3.For Counseling Psychology Department\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Develop Targeted Programs: Create specialized counseling programs aimed at addressing problematic social media use and its psychological impacts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Awareness Campaigns: Conduct regular workshops and seminars to educate students about the potential mental health risks associated with excessive social media use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e4. For Universities and colleges\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Integrate Mental Health Education: Include mental health awareness and digital literacy in the curriculum to help students understand the impacts of social media.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Provide Resources: Allocate resources for mental health services and ensure students have easy access to counseling and support.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Promote Healthy Social Media Use: Encourage the development of healthy social media habits through university-wide campaigns and initiatives.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e5.For Mental Health Advocates\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Raise Awareness: Organize and participate in campaigns to educate students about the mental health risks associated with problematic social media use and promote healthy digital habits.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Promote Digital Literacy: Advocate for the integration of digital literacy programs in educational institutions to help students understand the impact of social media on mental health.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Facilitate Access to Resources: Ensure that students are aware of and have easy access to mental health resources and support services available on and off-campus.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Advocate for Policy Changes: Work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that promote responsible social media use and support mental health initiatives in educational settings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Collaborate with Institutions: Partner with universities, colleges, and schools to design and implement mental health programs targeted to address issues related to social media use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e6. For Ministry of Health\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- National Awareness Campaigns: Launch national campaigns to raise awareness about the mental health impacts of problematic social media use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Support Research and Training: Fund research on social media use and mental health, and provide training for healthcare professionals on how to address these issues.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Mental Health Services in Universities: Ensure that all universities have access to adequate mental health services and support structures.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e7. For Policy Makers\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Regulate Social Media Use: Develop policies that promote responsible social media use among young people.In this finding, pornography shows a strong association with depression in those who use social media to watch such content, so the country should restrict websites that generate pornographic content\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Support Mental Health Programs: Allocate funding for mental health programs in educational institutions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec35\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFuture Research Directions\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo determine the causal linkages between problematic social media usage and depression, future researchers should focus on longitudinal studies. Additionally, exploring the effective interventions that reduce problematic social media use and its outcomes would be valuable.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eQualitative assessments may also help to enhance the directionality of problematic social media use and depression symptoms. Furthermore, assessment of other mental health conditions like anxiety, and stress would help to generalize and widen the scope of the study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionList\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAAU\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAddis Ababa University\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAOR\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdjusted Odds Ratio\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBSMAS\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBergen\u0026rsquo;s Social Media Addiction Scale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCI\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConfidence Interval\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDSM\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEDPM\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducation and Planning Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMDD\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMajor Depressive Disorder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNPV\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNegative Predictive Value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNR\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon response\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePHQ-9\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePatient Health Questionnaire 9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePPV\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePositive Predictive Value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePSMU\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProblematic social media use\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSMU\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocial media use\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSPSS\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoftware Program for Social Science\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTPB\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTheory of Planned Behavior\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWHO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorld Health Organization\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eUSA\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnited States of America\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was conducted with the support and approval of\u0026nbsp;Addis Ababa University, School of Psychology, which provided a support letter allowing the research to proceed. The research was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll participants provided informed consent before taking part in the survey. Participants were fully informed about the purpose of the study, the procedures involved, and any potential risks or benefits. Participation was entirely voluntary, and participants were assured that their responses would remain confidential and used solely for research purposes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data and materials used in this study are available upon reasonable request. Due to privacy concerns and institutional policies, the data cannot be made publicly accessible. Interested parties may contact [email protected] to request access to the data and materials.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not for profit sectors.\u0026nbsp;All expenses related to the study, including data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation, were self-funded.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contributions:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.Haileleul Mekonnen: Led the research, including the study design, data collection, data analysis, manuscript drafting, and revision. Managed research coordination and ensured overall quality and integrity of the research. Corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.Bemnet Yacobe: Participated in data collection. Provided feedback on the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Assamin Assafaw : Assisted with data collection and provided feedback on the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. Hiwotemedhin Aberra : Contributed to data collection, the interpretation of results and and reviewed and provided feedback on the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmith A, Anderson M. Social media use in 2018: A majority of Americans use Facebook and YouTube, but young adults are especially heavy users of Snapchat and Instagram. Pew Research Center; 2018.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoyd DM, Ellison NB. Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 2007;13:210\u0026ndash;30. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00393.x.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKross E, Verduyn P, Demiralp E, Park J, Lee DS, Lin N, et al. Facebook Use Predicts Declines in Subjective Well-Being in Young Adults. PLoS ONE 2013;8:e69841. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0069841.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrimack BA, Shensa A, Escobar-Viera CG, Barrett EL, Sidani JE, Colditz JB, et al. Use of multiple social media platforms and symptoms of depression and anxiety: A nationally-representative study among U.S. young adults. Computers in Human Behavior 2017;69:1\u0026ndash;9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.11.013.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVannucci A, Flannery KM, Ohannessian CM. Social media use and anxiety in emerging adults. 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Int J Inf Educ Technol. 2016;6(6):465.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlabi OF. A survey of Facebook addiction level among selected Nigerian University undergraduates. New Media Mass Commun. 2013;10(2012):70\u0026ndash;80.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBerhanu Y. Prevalence of depression and associated factors among Addis Ababa University students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. J Multidiscip Res Healthc. 2015;2(1):73\u0026ndash;90.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuerbach RP, Mortier P, Bruffaerts R, Alonso J, Benjet C, Cuijpers P, et al. WHO World Mental Health Surveys International College Student Project: Prevalence and distribution of mental disorders. Journal of Abnormal Psychology 2018;127:623\u0026ndash;38. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000362.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHuang C. Time Spent on Social Network Sites and Psychological Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis. Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking 2017;20:346\u0026ndash;54. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2016.0758.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKaplan HI, Sadock BJ. Kaplan and Sadock's synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry. 12th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2022.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwenge JM, Martin GN, Spitzberg BH. Trends in U.S. Adolescents\u0026rsquo; media use, 1976\u0026ndash;2016: The rise of digital media, the decline of TV, and the (near) demise of print. Psychology of Popular Media Culture 2019;8:329\u0026ndash;45. https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000203.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHancock K, Keast H, Ellis W. The impact of cyber dating abuse on self-esteem: The mediating role of emotional distress. Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace 2017;11. https://doi.org/10.5817/cp2017-2-2.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Problematic social media use (PSMU), Depression, TikTok, Social media addiction, Addis Ababa University","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5013155/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5013155/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProblematic social media use (PSMU) and its potential link to depression among university students have become significant areas of concern. This study aims to explore the prevalence of PSMU and its relationship with depression symptoms and identify demographic factors associated with level of depression among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University's main campus.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 316 students using a stratified random sampling method from March to April 2024. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the data.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study found that 17.1% of the respondents exhibited problematic social media use. Additionally, the prevalence of depression was found to be 77 (24.3%:95% CI :19.7-29.5) with 4.4% of the participant found to have severe depression.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe odds of depression are 1.6 times higher in those compared to non-problematic social media users (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.4-1.8; p \u0026lt; 0.0001). Moreover, individuals who frequently use social media to watch pornography have a 14 times greater likelihood of experiencing depression compared to those who do not watch pornography at all. Compared to men, female students report greater levels of depression.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe findings indicate a high prevalence of PSMU among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University and a significant association with depression symptoms. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to address PSMU and its mental health implications among university students.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Problematic Social Media Use and Depression among Addis Ababa University Regular Undergraduate Students: Institutional based Cross Sectional Study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-10-08 12:41:15","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5013155/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"f0a9abed-31f1-48b2-94a0-54ea7cb27405","owner":[],"postedDate":"October 8th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-11-06T09:54:07+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-10-08 12:41:15","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5013155","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5013155","identity":"rs-5013155","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}