Use of Social Networking Site and Mental Disorders among Medical Students in Kolkata, West Bengal

BACKGROUND: Use of social networking sites (SNS) and prevalence of anxiety and depression among the young population is on the rise. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the pattern of use of SNS and the prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical students as well as to examine the relation, if any, between the use of SNS and anxiety and depression. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 undergraduate students of a medical college in Kolkata, West Bengal during 2017. Information on individual characteristics and use of SNS of medical students were collected using a structured questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were measured using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and becks depression inventory (BDI). Prevalence was expressed in percentage and association was examined with Mann–Whitney U-test. RESULTS: More than 90% of students use more than one SNS or instant messaging system. One-third remained active in SNSs all through the day and around 80% for ≥4 h. Use of SNSs during odd hours was reported by 55% participants, and 23.5% expressed their inability to spend a day without SNSs. Nearly 24% reported depression and 68.5% had state anxiety. STAI and BDI scores were significantly (P < 0.05) higher among students who used SNSs for 4 h or more, used it during odd hours or stated inability to spend a day without SNSs than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: The use of SNS by medical students was pervasive. More use of SNSs and dependence on it were associated with anxiety and depression.