ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL-MEDIA USAGE AND DEPRESSION AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN A LOCAL CONTEXT - A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objectives and scope of the research: Adolescent depression is a growing global health concern and contributes to socioeconomic burden. This study investigated the association between time spent on social media and depression with its severity among Filipino adolescents in the local setting,considering age, gender, grade, and social media platforms used,in November 2024. This study determines correlation but does not prove causality.

Methodology:This used an analytical cross-sectional design, surveying adolescents aged 14-17 years-old from a public secondary school. A questionnaire including data on demographic information, social media habits, and questions based on PHQ-9: Modified for teens was used. Descriptive statistical methods were utilized to analyze the data, using Pearson Chi-Square tests to determine statistical significance.