IMPACT OF DIGITAL MEDIA ON CHILDREN WITH ADHD DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Background: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine, children have been consuming more media. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are particularly affected because they are already more likely to experience psychological and behavioural issues. Objectives: to compare frequency of problematic digital media use (PDMU) among ADHD and their age and sex-matched healthy control during COVID pandemic and to study impact of PDMU on psychological state of children as well as family wellbeing. In addition, to study impact of PDMU on learning approach of them. Methods: Observational cross-sectional research was performed on 200 children recruited from developmental and behavioral clinic and outpatient clinics. They were divided into; 100 ADHD and control group (n=100). Detailed history was taken including sociodemographic data, age, sex, total hours of using media and total hours of activity per week The following scales had been evaluated: Problematic use of mobile phones (PUMP) scale which estimate the dependence symptoms of mobile phone use (which used to classify patients to ADHD with and without PDMU according to its score), Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scales (RCADS) , Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), PedsQL Family Impact Module and revised two-factor study process questionnaire for learning approach assessment . Results: The study showed 43 cases of ADHD had PDMU and 57 cases didn’t have PDMU. ADHD children showed higher Anxiety and depression scores when compared to control group (p<0.001). ADHD children with PDMU showed significantly least ability to control their emotions followed by ADHD children without PDMU then control group(p<0.001). ADHD children with PDMU have higher superficial approach and lower deep approach when compared to ADHD children without PDMU(p<0.001). Conclusion: The PDMU-affected ADHD youngsters had more intense negative emotions, increased depression and anxiety, and decreased motivation to learn. For the fundamental symptoms and related issues of ADHD to be managed, supervision of digital media use must be combined with more exercise.