Jude Tsafack Zefack
1,2* 
, Mbonjo Bitsie Dora
1,3, Brenda Mbouamba Yankam
1,4, Esua Alphonsius Fotindong
1,5, Vanessa Nkume
1,6, Nyeke James Tony
1,7, Ashu Martha Agbornyenty
8, Suh Colette Manka
1,9, Zita Wonjick Epse Khan Awa
1,10, Rose Nwenyoh Mbotoako
1,9, Abigail N. N Abamukong
1,6, Sally Tabe Njoh
1,111 Social Epidemiology Lab, Wuppertal, Germany
2 Department of Global Health and Bioethics, Euclid University, Bangui, Central African Republic
3 Break Sickle Cycle Association, Douala, Cameroon
4 Faculty of Mathematics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
5 Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt, Wurzburg, Germany
6 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
7 Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
8 For Mom and Baby Foundation, Buea, Cameroon
9 Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
10 University of Exeter, Exeter, England
11 HappyMe Health Association, Buea, Cameroon
Abstract
Background: Social media has become integral to daily life among young adults, offering opportunities for connection and self-expression and raising concerns about its impact on mental health. While global studies have examined these effects, evidence from Cameroon remains limited. This study assessed the relationship between social media use and psychological well-being among young Cameroonian adults.
Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted via Google Forms between September 2023 and April 2024 among Cameroonians aged 18-35. The questionnaire collected sociodemographic information, social media usage patterns, and self-reported mental health indicators. Descriptive statistics summarized platform use and engagement, while linear regression analysis examined associations between time spent on social media and mental health outcomes.
Results: Among 151 respondents, WhatsApp (97.7%, 95% CI: 93.7-99.5%), Facebook (66.9%, 95% CI: 58.3-74.7%), and TikTok (43.4%, 95% CI: 34.9-52.1%) were the most used platforms. More respondents (39.74%) reported using social media for over five hours daily. Greater daily usage was linked with poorer self-reported mental health scores. Over one-third (37.1%) reported feelings of inadequacy related to social media, and 21.9% perceived a decline in their mental health since using it. Regression analysis indicated that prolonged social media use and cultural factors were associated with poorer self-rated mental health, while other sociodemographic factors were not significant predictors.
Conclusion: Social media is deeply embedded in the lives of young Cameroonians, but it may negatively impact their mental well-being when usage is excessive. These findings highlight the urgent need for culturally tailored mental health interventions, digital literacy programs, and policies promoting healthier online engagement among youth.