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A cross-sectional study of the association of exposure to web-based streaming platforms on the psychosocial behaviour and the sleep pattern of Indian youth

[version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]
PUBLISHED 23 Apr 2024
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This article is included in the Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research collection.

Abstract

Background

The rapid proliferation of web-based streaming platforms has become a ubiquitous aspect of contemporary life, especially among the youth in urban areas. This study seeks to delve into the usage patterns and discern potential associations between web-based streaming platforms and the psychosocial behaviour, sleep patterns, and work and study routines of Indian youth in the Wardha District of Maharashtra and Central India. With the escalating prevalence of digital entertainment, understanding the impact on this demographic's mental well-being and lifestyle is imperative.

Methods

Employing a cross-sectional design, this study will involve youth aged 15-29 from urban communities and schools in the designated district. The sample size, determined by the Cochran formula, is 170 participants. A comprehensive data collection process will unfold by utilising validated assessment tools, including the Young's Internet Addiction Test, WHO (Five) Well-Being Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Eysenck's Personality Inventory. Statistical analyses, encompassing descriptive statistics, association tests, and regression analyses, will be conducted using SPSS version 23 software.

Expected Outcome

Anticipated outcomes of this study encompass a nuanced understanding of web-based streaming platform usage patterns, unveiling potential associations with psychosocial behaviours, sleep patterns, and work and study routines among Indian youth. The results are poised to contribute valuable insights into the intricate interplay between digital entertainment and the well-being of the urban youth population. Such findings can inform future interventions and strategies to foster a balanced and healthy digital lifestyle.

Keywords

Web-based streaming platforms, Psychosocial behaviour, Sleep patterns, Youth, Cross-sectional study, Urban areas

Introduction

The ubiquity of web-based streaming platforms has revolutionised the entertainment landscape, particularly among the youth in urban areas. The accessibility and diversity of content offered by platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ have reshaped traditional media consumption patterns.1 This paradigm shifts in entertainment consumption, coupled with the increasing penetration of digital technology, has sparked a growing interest in understanding the implications of web-based streaming on young individuals' psychosocial behaviour, sleep patterns, and daily routines.

As the global landscape continues to witness an unprecedented surge in internet use and digital media consumption,2 it becomes imperative to investigate the specific dynamics of this phenomenon within diverse cultural and geographical contexts. This study aims to address this gap by focusing on the urban youth of the Wardha District in Maharashtra, Central India. The unique sociocultural milieu of this region provides a compelling backdrop for examining the multifaceted impacts of web-based streaming on the lives of young individuals.

The rationale behind exploring the association between web-based streaming and psychosocial behaviour is grounded in the growing body of literature highlighting the potential influence of digital media on mental health outcomes, particularly among adolescents and young adults.3 Understanding how streaming platforms may contribute to or alleviate stressors, impact social interactions, and influence emotional well-being is pivotal for developing targeted interventions and support systems.

Furthermore, the literature has extensively discussed the relationship between screen time and sleep disturbances.4 Web-based streaming platforms have introduced new dimensions to this discourse, with binge-watching and late-night viewing becoming prevalent behaviours. Investigating the implications of such viewing habits on sleep patterns among the youth is crucial for comprehending the holistic impact of digital entertainment on their well-being.

In addition to psychosocial and sleep-related considerations, this study aims to explore how web-based streaming platforms may intersect with young individuals' work and study routines. With an increasing number of students and young professionals relying on digital platforms for educational and professional purposes, understanding the potential disruptions or enhancements introduced by streaming habits is paramount.5

This study aspires to contribute empirical evidence that extends beyond the global discourse on digital media impacts by delving into these dimensions. The specificity of the urban youth context in the Wardha District adds a nuanced layer to the investigation, recognising the influence of cultural, regional, and socioeconomic factors on streaming habits and their consequences.

Aim of the study

This study aims to investigate the pattern of web-based streaming platform use among youth from urban areas in the Wardha District of Maharashtra and Central India and to explore its association with the study participants' psychosocial behaviour and sleep patterns.

Objective of the study

  • 1. To examine the pattern of web-based streaming platform use among youth in urban areas.

  • 2. To investigate the association between web-based streaming platforms and the psychosocial behaviour of individuals.

  • 3. To analyse the influence of web-based streaming platforms on the sleep patterns of individuals.

  • 4. To assess the impact of web-based streaming platforms on individuals' work and study patterns.

Methods

Study design

This study will adopt a cross-sectional design to gather data at a single point in time, allowing for the examination of associations between web-based streaming platform use and psychosocial behaviour, sleep patterns, and work and study patterns among Indian youth in urban areas.

Study population

The study population will consist of youth aged 15-29 years residing in urban communities and attending schools in the Wardha District of Maharashtra, Central India.

Place of study

The study will be conducted in urban communities and schools within the Wardha District, selected to represent a diverse demographic of the Indian youth population.

Inclusion criteria

  • 1. Individuals aged between 15 and 29, by the National Youth Policy of India 2014.

  • 2. Participants who have actively engaged with web-based streaming platforms for at least six months preceding the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • 1. Youth or adolescents with pre-existing mental health problems currently undergoing medication or treatment.

  • 2. Individuals not meeting the age criteria of 15-29 years.

  • 3. Those who have not used web-based streaming platforms for at least six months.

Bias considerations

  • 1. Selection bias:

    • Mitigation: Random sampling methods will be employed to reduce selection bias. Ensuring that every eligible individual in the defined population has an equal chance of being included in the study minimises the risk of bias.

  • 2. Recall bias:

    • Mitigation: To minimise recall bias in reporting web-based streaming platform use and other relevant behaviours, participants will be provided clear and specific guidelines during data collection. Additionally, objective measures like tracking tools or logs may help collect more accurate data.

  • 3. Social desirability bias:

    • Mitigation: Participants will be assured of the confidentiality of their responses to encourage honest and accurate reporting. Self-administered questionnaires or surveys can also help mitigate social desirability bias.

  • 4. Sampling bias:

    • Mitigation: Efforts will be made to ensure that the sample is representative of the entire population by employing appropriate sampling techniques. Stratified random sampling, for example, may be used to ensure proportional representation of different demographic groups.

Enrollment

  • 1. Recruitment strategy:

    • Recruitment will involve contacting schools and urban communities in the Wardha District. Consent will be obtained from schools and community leaders to approach potential participants.

  • 2. Informed consent:

    • All participants will be provided with detailed information about the study, its purpose, and the procedures involved. Informed consent will be obtained from each participant, emphasising their voluntary participation and the right to withdraw at any point without consequences.

  • 3. Participant information sheet:

    • A comprehensive participant information sheet detailing the study's objectives, potential risks and benefits, confidentiality measures, and contact information for queries will be provided.

  • 4. Ethical approval:

    • The study will seek ethical approval from relevant institutional review boards or ethics committees. Compliance with ethical standards ensures that the rights and well-being of participants are protected.

Data collection process

A comprehensive protocol will be developed to initiate the data collection process, outlining specific procedures, ethical considerations, and guidelines for maintaining participant confidentiality. Before commencement, data collectors will undergo training to ensure a clear understanding of the study objectives, interview techniques, and adherence to ethical standards.

Before any data is gathered, written informed consent will be obtained from each participant, emphasising the voluntary nature of participation and the right to withdraw at any stage. Demographic information, including age, gender, educational background, and occupation, will be collected to characterise the study sample.

The web-based streaming platform usage assessment will be conducted using self-administered questionnaires or interviews. Participants will be queried on frequency, duration, preferred genres, and the specific platforms they access. The Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT)6 will be administered to evaluate internet addiction, with a focus on understanding the impact of streaming platforms on mental health and social interactions.

Quality of life among participants will be assessed using the WHO (Five) Well-Being Index,7 considering factors such as physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environment. Sleep patterns will be examined through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which will gather information on sleep duration, disturbances, and overall sleep quality.

Structured questionnaires will be employed to explore the influence of web-based streaming platforms on participants' work and study routines. Potential disruptions or enhancements in productivity will be investigated. Additionally, Eysenck's Personality Inventory8 will be administered to assess personality traits among participants and explore any correlations with web-based streaming platform usage.

Responses will be cross-verified through multiple methods, such as self-report, objective measures, and logs to enhance data reliability. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the data collection process using anonymised codes instead of personal identifiers.

Upon completion of the data collection phase, collected data will be systematically entered into a secure database, with validation checks implemented to minimise data entry errors. Regular data quality and consistency checks will be conducted, and any discrepancies will be addressed promptly. The collected data will be safely stored in compliance with data protection regulations, with access restricted to authorised personnel.

The closure of the data collection process will involve expressing gratitude to participants and providing any necessary post-study information or resources. This meticulous approach aims to gather accurate, reliable, and ethically sound data, contributing to successfully fulfilling the study's objectives.

Expected outcome

  • 1. Insights into streaming platform usage patterns: A comprehensive understanding of how youth in urban areas engage with web-based streaming platforms, including frequency, duration, preferred genres, and platforms.

  • 2. Association with psychosocial behavior: Identification of potential correlations between web-based streaming platform use and psychosocial behaviour, shedding light on any positive or negative impacts on mental health, social interactions, and emotional well-being.

  • 3. Impact on sleep patterns: Exploration of the relationship between streaming platform use and sleep patterns, elucidating whether there is a connection between viewing habits and sleep quality or disruptions.

  • 4. Influence on work and study patterns: Examining how web-based streaming platforms may affect individuals' work and study routines, providing insights into any potential interference with productivity and academic performance.

  • 5. Quantification of internet addiction: Utilization of the Internet Addiction Test to quantify the level of Internet addiction among participants, contributing to a broader understanding of the potentially addictive nature of web-based streaming platforms.

  • 6. Quality of life assessment: Assessment of the participant's quality of life using the WHO (Five) Well-Being Index, providing a holistic view of the impact of streaming platform use on overall well-being.

Sample size

The sample size for the study was determined using the Cochran formula. This involved calculating the square of the level of significance at 5%, represented by the 95% confidence interval (1.96), multiplied by the proportion that Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms have grown by 30% (0.30) and the complement of this proportion (0.70). This product was then divided by the square of the desired error of margin, set at 7% (0.07). The resulting calculation, 1.96 x 1.96 x 0.30 x 0.70 divided by 0.07 x 0.07, yielded a value of 165.64. It was determined that 170 participants were required for the study to achieve the desired statistical power and precision.9

Statistical methods

The statistical analysis for this study encompasses a comprehensive approach involving descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and association tests. These methods are designed to investigate the intricate relationship between the usage of web-based streaming platforms and various psychosocial and behavioural factors among the urban youth of India.

Descriptive statistics: The initial step involves employing descriptive statistics to concisely summarise the data. Measures of central tendency (such as mean and median) and dispersion (including standard deviation and range) will be utilised to outline critical characteristics, such as the average duration of streaming, frequency, and demographic distributions. This offers a comprehensive overview of the dataset.

Frequency and percentages: Patterns in web-based streaming platform usage, stratified by time, genre, and platforms, will be elucidated using frequency distributions and percentages. This approach sheds light on prevailing streaming habits within the study population, contributing to a nuanced understanding of their preferences.

Association tests: Chi-square tests will be instrumental in establishing associations between web-based streaming platforms and psychosocial behaviour, sleep patterns, and work and study patterns. This statistical tool will unveil significant relationships between variables, unravelling potential influences and contributing to a deeper comprehension of the study dynamics.

Correlation analysis: Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients will be computed to gauge the strength and direction of linear relationships between variables. For instance, these analyses may explore the association between internet addiction scores and psychosocial behaviour or sleep quality, aiding in the identification of meaningful connections.

Regression analysis: Multiple regression analysis will be conducted to discern the combined impact of multiple factors on psychosocial behaviour, sleep patterns, and work and study patterns. This approach enables the identification of the relative importance of different predictors, providing a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted influences at play.

Categorical data analysis: Given the categorical nature of some variables, logistic regression will be employed to analyse binary outcomes. For instance, it can assess the likelihood of experiencing a certain level of internet addiction based on streaming habits, adding a layer of sophistication to the analysis.

Software and tools: The entire statistical analysis will be conducted using R Studio Version 4.3.1 software, a free and open-source statistical computing environment renowned for its versatility and reliability. This ensures the precision and reproducibility of the study's findings.

Outcome interpretation: The results derived from these statistical methods will be interpreted within the context of the study objectives. The findings will be presented clearly and understandably, emphasising the significance of identified associations and patterns. This approach ensures the meaningful contribution of the study to the existing body of knowledge.

Ethical considerations

The Institutional Ethics Committee of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU) has granted its approval to the study protocol (Reference number: DMIHER (DU)/IEC/2022/20. Date:15-07-2022). Before commencing the study, we will obtain written informed consent from all participants, providing them with a comprehensive explanation of the study's objectives.

Dissemination

After the completion of the study, we will publish it in an indexed journal or conference.

Study status

The study is yet to start. After the publication of the protocol, we will start recruitment in the study.

Discussion

The study proposed herein aims to investigate the intricate relationship between web-based streaming platform use and the psychosocial behaviour, sleep patterns, and work and study routines of Indian youth in urban areas. The findings of this research are anticipated to contribute significantly to the current understanding of the impact of digital entertainment on the well-being of the youth demographic.

The ubiquity of web-based streaming platforms among the youth is undeniable, with studies suggesting a global surge in their usage.2 Our study focused on the urban youth of Wardha District, which aligns with the broader discourse on the evolving nature of entertainment consumption. Insights into specific usage patterns, such as preferred genres and viewing platforms, will add granularity to the existing literature.1

Research has suggested positive and negative associations between internet use and psychosocial behaviour among adolescents.3 In our study, the application of Young's Internet Addiction Test will enable a nuanced exploration of Internet addiction and its potential impact on psychosocial behaviour. Findings may show how excessive streaming might influence mood, social interactions, and emotional well-being.

The correlation between screen time, particularly before bedtime, and sleep disturbances is well-documented.4 Our utilisation of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index will allow for an in-depth investigation into the influence of web-based streaming on sleep patterns among the youth. Furthermore, the WHO (Five) Well-Being Index will provide insights into the overall quality of life, emphasising the holistic impact of digital entertainment.

While the potential for web-based streaming platforms to interfere with work and study routines is acknowledged,5 our study aims to elucidate the specific dynamics within the urban youth context. Understanding how streaming habits may enhance or disrupt productivity and academic performance is crucial for informed interventions.

Acknowledging potential limitations, such as recall bias and the dynamic nature of streaming platform preferences is essential. Additionally, the exclusion of individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions may limit the generalizability of findings. Future research could explore longitudinal designs to establish causality and delve deeper into specific genres or content that may impact behaviour differently.

Ethical and consent

The Institutional Ethics Committee of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU) has granted its approval to the study protocol (Reference number: DMIHER (DU)/IEC/2022/20. Date:15-07-2022). Before commencing the study, we will obtain written informed consent from all participants, providing them with a comprehensive explanation of the study's objectives.

Author contribution

  • 1. Vaibhav Chandra: Investigation, Methodology, Project Administration, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing

  • 2. Quazi Syed Zahiruddin: Project Administration, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing

  • 3. Sonali Choudhari: Methodology, Project Administration, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing

  • 4. Abhay Gaidhane: Methodology, Project Administration, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing

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VERSION 1 PUBLISHED 23 Apr 2024
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Chandra V, Zahiruddin QS, Choudhari S and Gaidhane A. A cross-sectional study of the association of exposure to web-based streaming platforms on the psychosocial behaviour and the sleep pattern of Indian youth [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]. F1000Research 2024, 13:312 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.144933.1)
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ApprovedThe paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
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Comments on this article Comments (0)

Version 1
VERSION 1 PUBLISHED 23 Apr 2024
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Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article:
Approved - the paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations - A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approved - fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
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