@article{22604f159ef84c06a204a48d7748c3ef,
title = "Problem electronic device use in a representative sample of adults in Ontario",
abstract = "There is growing evidence of correlations between the amount of time spent using electronic devices in leisure and negative health outcomes. However, studies often lack indicators of problematic technology use, rarely investigate relationships between such problem use patterns and indicators of poor mental health, and use samples that are unrepresentative of the adult population. Using a representative telephone survey of adults, we applied the Problem Electronic Device Use (PEDU) scale to estimate the level of PEDU in Ontario, Canada, and the associations between PEDU scores and a wide range of outcomes with a series of multivariate logistic regressions. We found an average weekly electronic device use of 15.57 hr, excluding work or school, and moderate to severe problem technology use among 7.9% of the adult population. Moderate to severe PEDU was significantly associated with suicidal ideation, serious psychological distress, problem alcohol use, and treatment for anxiety. Implications for the findings are discussed.",
keywords = "Adults, Electronic device, Mental health, Population survey, Problem technology use",
author = "{van der Maas}, Mark and Hamilton, {Hayley A.} and Jacob Wolpin and Ialomiteanu, {Anca R.} and J{\"u}rgen Rehm and Mann, {Robert E.} and Turner, {Nigel E.} and Gina Stoduto",
note = "Funding Information: For correspondence: Mark van der Maas, Ph.D., School of Social Work Rutgers, The State University of NJ, 120 Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, USA, 08901. E-mail: mark.vandermaas@rutgers.edu Competing interests: Dr. Turner has received funding from the National Center for Responsible Gaming, Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre, The Gambling Research Exchange Ontario, and the Ontario Ministry of Health Long Term Care, all of which are indirectly funded by the gambling industry. In addition, Dr. Turner conducted a study to evaluate a harm reduction measure implemented by Ontario Lottery and Gaming (the organization that manages gambling in Ontario). In all cases, our contracts have explicitly ensured research independence and the right to publish the results, and there was no interference in the study, results, or publication. The authors of this manuscript have no other relevant relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. Funding Information: Acknowledgements: This study was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (grant # 06703). Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2021, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. All rights reserved.",
year = "2021",
month = feb,
doi = "10.4309/jgi.2021.46.6",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "46",
pages = "82--106",
journal = "Journal of Gambling Issues",
issn = "1910-7595",
publisher = "Centre for Addiction and Mental Health",
}