Social media usage, generalized anxiety disorder and depression among students of young Women’s Christian Association Vocational Training Institute (YWCA VTI) in Kampala

Abstract

Social media usage has become an indispensable aspect of young people’s digital interactions, as they use it mostly for entertainment and communication purposes. The aim of the study was to assess the association between social media usage, generalized anxiety disorder and depression among students of Young Women’s Christian Association Vocational Training Institute (YWCA VTI) in Kampala. The study used a quantitative research design and in particular a correlational research approach. A sample of 150 aged 18-40 years was recruited using purposive sampling technique method. The sample was composed of both male and female respondents. Data was presented into statistical information using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS-IBM SPSS Version-21.0) and Pearson Chi-square to establish whether the variables were correlated. Frequency tables were used for descriptive statistics and percentages including standard deviation and means. Social media use was measured by Social Media Use Integration Scale (SMUIS-17), generalized anxiety disorder was measured by Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and depression was measured by Depression Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Using the Pearson chi-square, results showed relationship between social media usage and depression (x2(4, n=150) =.019), association between social media usage and generalized anxiety disorder (x2(1, n=150) =.018) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder and depression (x2(4, n=150) =.008).Andrew Hayes moderation analysis procedure using PROCESS macro was used to investigate the hypothesis that generalized anxiety disorder moderates the relationship between social media usage and depression among students (.000, p=.019). From the study, it is recommended that the students need to be trained on better usage of the social media so as to minimize time wastage on chatting and other irrelevant engagements that are not of major importance on their lives.