Smart phone usage and addiction among dental students in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study

Trends and Influencing Factors in Problematic Smartphone Use Prevalence (2012-2022): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Given that problematic smartphone use (PSU) has been researched for a long time, it becomes necessary to assess how the trends of PSU prevalence have evolved over time. In total, 106 articles from 2012 to 2022 with 109 studies covering 97,748 individuals were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The estimation of the global pooled PSU prevalence was 37.1% (95% confidence interval, 33.5 - 40.8%) and the PSU prevalence is growing over time in total. Although the PSU prevalence exhibited wide variation between regions and measurement scales, the increasing trend remained. In addition, the regression slope of the PSU prevalence trend in males was higher than that in females. Males initially had a lower prevalence of PSU than females, but this steadily changed over time until it was greater in males than in females. Moreover, the prevalence of PSU showed an increasing trend across all age groups, with a faster growth rate in the older age group. Considering the aforementioned results, it's necessary to implement proper interventions to do with this phenomenon. In addition, considering the differences in prevalence brought by regions, and measurement scales, in practice and research, we should not only take into account the disparities of PSU between countries or cultures, but also to concern about establishing unified standard and measurement tools to confirm it.

Problematic Use of Smartphones and Sleep Quality Among Healthcare Workers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Background and objectives Problematic use of smartphones among healthcare workers can affect their performance, patient care, safety, care outcomes, and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of problematic use of smartphones and the relationship between the problematic use of smartphones and sleep quality among healthcare workers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Methods We enrolled 393 healthcare workers conveniently selected online for this cross-sectional survey. We assessed the problematic use of smartphones using the short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale. For sleep quality, we used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Linear regression was used to assess the association of problematic use of smartphones with sleep quality. IBM SPSS Statistics, version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used for analyses. Results The prevalence of smartphone addiction (SMA) was 59.0%, and 30.5% were at high risk for addiction. The mean PSQI score was 11.56 ± 2.1 out of 21. It was found that female gender was associated with poor sleep quality (adjusted B = 0.45, p-value = 0.049). On the other hand, SMA was also significantly associated with poor sleep quality (adjusted B = 0.90, p-value = 0.016). Conclusion There is a high prevalence of problematic use of smartphones among healthcare workers, which is associated with poor sleep quality. Given the significant occurrence of problematic smartphone use among healthcare professionals and its detrimental effects on sleep quality, it is crucial for public health initiatives to devise and execute suitable preventive measures, such as smartphone use policies at work and education of workers.

The interplay of psychological resilience and adolescent mobile phone addiction in Henan province, China: insights from latent class analysis

Background

The aim of this study was to classify distinct subgroups of adolescents based on the severity levels of their mobile phone addiction and to investigate how these groups differed in terms of their psychosocial characteristics. We surveyed a total of 2,230 adolescents using three different questionnaires to assess the severity of their mobile phone addiction, stress, anxiety, depression, psychological resilience, and personality. Latent class analysis was employed to identify the subgroups, and we utilized Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and multinomial logistic regression for statistical analysis. All data analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0 and Mplus 8.5.

Methods

We classified the subjects into subgroups based on their mobile phone addiction severity, and the results revealed a clear pattern with a three-class model based on the likelihood level of mobile phone addiction (p < 0.05). We examined common trends in psychosocial traits such as age, grade at school, parental education level, anxiety levels, and resilience. ROC analysis of sensitivity versus 1-specificity for various mobile phone addiction index (MPAI) scores yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.893 (95% CI, 0.879 to 0.905, p < 0.001). We also determined diagnostic value indices for potential cutoff points ranging from 8 to 40. The optimal cutoff value for MPAI was found to be >14, which corresponded to the maximum Youden index (Youden index = 0.751).

Results

The latent classification process in this research confirmed the existence of three distinct mobile phone user groups. We also examined the psychosocial characteristics that varied in relation to the severity levels of addiction.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the categorization of adolescents based on the severity of mobile phone addiction and sheds light on the psychosocial characteristics associated with different addiction levels. These findings are expected to enhance our understanding of mobile phone addiction traits and stimulate further research in this area.

Could physical activity alleviate smartphone addiction in university students? A systematic literature review

Objectives

Recently, the widespread surge in smartphone addiction (SA) has raised major global health concerns and prompted researchers to scrutinize the inverse relationship between physical activity (PA) and the risk of SA. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize the empirical research on the relationship between PA and SA among university students representing the most affected age group.

Methods

Adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we explored five databases: PubMed, Social Sciences Research Network (SSRN), Oxford Research Archive, Journal Storage (JSTOR), and Google Scholar. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tools (MMAT) for quality assessment.

Results

Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight of them were cross-sectional, and three were experimental. The 31 studies emerged from 12 countries, most stemming (45.16%) from China. Their findings suggest an inverse relationship between PA and SA in the examined population. However, the direct relationship may be weak based on correlational studies, while intervention research yields noteworthy effects. Still, other factors like resilience may mediate the studied relationship. Methodological concerns render the results of correlational studies tentative.

Conclusions

Regular PA could be a promising preventive measure for SA. Future work should use objective PA indices in longitudinal research designs while assessing the type and duration of smartphone applications used via device meters. In correlational studies, interviews should follow up on the high SA risk or too much device use. In conclusion, moderate evidence indicates that PA can reduce SA among university students.

The Relationship Between Smartphone Addiction and the Interpersonal Competence of Chinese Private College Students: A Moderated Mediation Model

Purpose

As an aspect of the lives of private college students in China, interpersonal competence (IC) is important to their socialization and employment competence. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Chinese private college students' smartphone addiction (SPA) and IC, the mediating effect of negative emotions (NE), and the moderating effect of psychological resilience (PR).

Samples and Methods

Using simple random sampling, 5473 Chinese private college students (male 74.5%, urban household registration 51.6%, served as a student leader 31.5%) were recruited.

Results

The results showed that (1) SPA positively predicted IC; (2) NE partially mediated the relationship between SPA and IC; and (3) PR moderated the relationships between SPA and NE, NE and IC, SPA and IC.

Conclusion

These findings provide a new perspective to improve Chinese private college students' socialization and their employment competitiveness.

Relationship between bruxism and smartphone overuse in young adults

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible relationship between bruxism and smartphone overuse and assess the potential role of anxiety and depression in this relationship. The null hypothesis was that there was no significant difference between sleep bruxism (SB) and/or awake bruxism (AB) and non-bruxers in the level of smartphone overuse, anxiety, and depression.

METHODS

In total, 167 dental students were included in this study. They were evaluated using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria, Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). T-test and chi-square test were used to compare the means and percentages between groups.

RESULTS

A higher percentage of sleep bruxers were high smartphone users (60.3%) compared to non-SBs (44.2%). The frequencies of high smartphone users among participants with high anxiety and depression were higher than those with low anxiety and depression.

CONCLUSION

SB and high smartphone use were positively associated.

The Prevalence of Nomophobia and Its Impact on Academic Performance of Medical Undergraduates at the College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah City, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Nomophobia, or no mobile phone phobia, is a term used to describe psychological conditions when people fear being without a mobile phone.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to measure the prevalence of nomophobia, its associated factors, and its impact on the academic performance of medical undergraduates at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), Makkah City, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study included a simple random sample of 595 medical undergraduates. The study administered the Nomophobia Questionnaire, which had been validated in previous articles, using an interview-based model. The collected data were reviewed and entered into the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 595 medical students were included in this study. Most of them (99%, n = 589) had different degrees of nomophobia, while only a small percentage (1%, n = 6) did not exhibit it. The younger medical students (18-19 years old) showed significantly higher percentages of moderate to severe nomophobia in comparison to older students (P = 0.028), while there was no significant relationship between nomophobia and academic performance, despite the fact that 128 (77.1%) of students with severe nomophobia had grade point averages (GPAs) of 3.5-4.0, compared to 244 (69.1%) of students with moderate nomophobia (P = 0.150).

CONCLUSIONS

This study concludes that the prevalence rate of nomophobia is generally high among medical undergraduates at UQU in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. This disorder was detected more among younger medical undergraduates, with no significant effects on their academic performance. It is mandatory to conduct more studies with larger sample sizes of different university students (medical and non-medical) to identify factors that lead to the development of nomophobia. Qualitative research among groups of university students will add more deep information about this disorder. Health education programs should be designed and targeted at university students, focusing on the harmful health effects of excessive use of mobile phones and measures to prevent this disorder.

Excessive Smartphone Use is Associated with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Sleep Quality of Australian Adults

Problematic smartphone use has been associated with poorer mental health in different population groups; however, little is known about how levels of smartphone use were associated with mental health outcomes of adults in Australia. Using data from a cross-sectional survey among Australian adults aged 18-59 years (n = 655, Mean = 24.55 [SD = 5.59] years; 66% female), the current study aimed to examine association between problematic smartphone use and different psychological outcomes. Participants completed measures of problematic smartphone use with Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS), mental health outcomes with Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), in addition to some socio-demographics. Smartphone use was categorised into three groups: low-moderate, moderate-high, and high-severe. A total of 160 adults (24.4%) reported high-severe smartphone use. Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that smartphone use was inversely associated with psychological outcomes in a dose-dependent manner with high-severe smartphone uses having the most adverse effects. Compared to low-moderate use, average depression score was 3.5 points higher for moderate-high smartphone use (β = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.63-5.40) and 6.9 points higher for high-severe smartphone use (β = 6.91, 95% CI: 4.74-9.07). Similarly, average stress score was 3.4 points higher for moderate-high smartphone use (β = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.75-5.06) and 7.0 points higher for high-severe smartphone use (β = 7.02, 95% CI: 5.11-8.93). Similar association estimates were found for anxiety and sleep quality. Reducing smartphone use has the potential to optimise depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality; however, longitudinal research is warranted to establish directionality of the association.

Smartphone addiction, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students

Introduction

Studies consistently link excessive smartphone use to poor sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and stress. This study specifically aimed to investigate these associations among medical students in Belgrade and Nis (Central Serbia).

Materials and methods

The cross-sectional study included a sample of 761 students, who were selected from both the Faculties of Medicine at the University of Belgrade and the University of Nis. Questionnaires, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21 items (DASS-21), were completed by the participants. Statistical analysis techniques, such as the Chi-square test, student's t-test, and logistic regression, were employed to examine the relationship between smartphone addiction, physical activity, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results

The findings indicated a prevalence of smartphone addiction among medical students at 21.7%, with rates of 22.9% among males and 21.1% among females. Females exhibited significantly higher scores on the SAS-SV scale compared to males (p = 0.032). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between smartphone addiction and spending over 4 h daily on smartphones (OR = 2.39; p < 0.001), poor sleep quality (OR = 1.65; p = 0,005), as well as elevated levels of stress (OR = 1.75; p = 0.003), anxiety (OR = 2.04; p < 0.001), and depression (OR = 2.29; p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis identified spending more than 4 h daily on smartphones (OR = 2.39; p < 0.001) and increased levels of depression (OR = 2.51; p < 0.001) as independent significant factors associated with smartphone addiction.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the prevalence of smartphone addiction among medical students, with spending excessive time on smartphones and higher levels of depression standing out as significant factors. Future research should delve into the underlying mechanisms and causal relationships between smartphone addiction and these psychosocial factors. Understanding these connections will aid in developing effective interventions and strategies to tackle this growing public health concern.

Dose-response analysis of smartphone usage and self-reported sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Several studies have recently reported on the association between smartphone usage and self-reported sleep quality. However, no systematic review or meta-analysis has yet been performed. We aimed to analyze the association between smartphone usage time and self-reported sleep quality.

METHODS

We searched for articles published up to January 13, 2022, using the Embase and Medline databases. All observational studies were eligible for inclusion. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias within studies. We used restricted cubic spline analysis to perform a dose-response analysis.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies with a total of 36,485 participants were included. The pooled odds ratio was 2.28 (confidence interval [CI]: 1.81-2.89; P < .001) and heterogeneity was 80%. In the dose-response analysis conducted on 5 studies, the regression coefficient between daily smartphone usage time (hours/day) and poor sleep quality was 1.042 (1.027-1.058), which confirmed a significantly positive association.

CONCLUSIONS

Smartphone overuse was closely associated with poor self-reported sleep quality, sleep deprivation, and sleep latency prolongation. Further studies using a more structured method and high-quality evidence (cohort or case-control) should be conducted.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

CRD42022303371.

CITATION

Chu Y, Oh Y, Gwon M, et al. Dose-response analysis of smartphone usage and self-reported sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(3):621-630.

Association between Problematic Use of Smartphones and Mental Health in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region: A Systematic Review

Smartphones have become essential components of daily life, and research into the harmful effects of problematic smartphone use (PSU) on mental health is expanding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This issue has yet to be synthesized and critically evaluated. To find quantitative observational studies on the relationship between PSU and mental health in the MENA region, we developed a search equation and adapted it for four databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed during the selection process. This review included 32 cross-sectional studies and one cohort study. The available language was English. All identified studies published until 8 October 2021, were considered. A modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The studies enrolled 21,487 people and had low-to-moderate methodological quality. The prevalence of PSU ranged from 4.3 to 97.8 percent. The time factor, type of application used on the smartphone, and sociodemographic characteristics were the determinants of PSU. Depression, anxiety, and stress were strongly correlated with PSU. Epidemiological longitudinal studies that respect the quality of evidence are needed in all MENA countries to better plan and implement preventive measures against PSU.

The association between problematic smartphone use and the severity of temporomandibular disorders: A cross-sectional study

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of different types of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms in young adults and determine their associations with problematic smartphone use (PSU).

Methods

The data of the study were collected from local university students through an online questionnaire survey. Demographic information, Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) responses were gathered electronically and analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

There were 163 male and 307 female respondents were participated in this study. The prevalence of PSU and TMD were 83.6% and 66.4%, respectively. There was a moderate statistical correlation between PSU and TMD among young adults (r = 0.31, p < 0.01). The logistic regression model revealed that the risk of TMD was 1.77 times higher in people with PSU than in those without PSU (OR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.04-3.06). PSU is a risk factor for pain-related TMD (OR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.08-3.04) but not intra-articular TMD.

Conclusion

Subjects showed high prevalence of both TMD and PSU. People with PSU experienced more severe and frequent pain-related rather than intra-articular TMD symptoms than those without PSU. By reducing the problematic smartphone use, the risk factor of TMD might be avoided.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Mobile Phone Addiction Among Adolescents and Young Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported a potential negative correlation between physical activity (PA) and mobile phone addiction (MPA) among adolescents and young adults. To date, the strength of this correlation has not been well characterized.

OBJECTIVE

This review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize available empirical studies to examine the correlations between PA and MPA among adolescents and young adults. We also explored several potential moderators, including time of data collection, country or region, and type of population, associated with the relationship between PA and MPA.

METHODS

Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were searched from database inception to March 2022 to identify relevant studies. The pooled Pearson correlation coefficients and their corresponding 95% CIs for the relationship between PA and MPA were calculated using the inverse variance method. The methodological quality of the included cross-sectional studies was determined based on the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal checklist. The study conformed to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses) guidelines.

RESULTS

In total, 892 relevant articles were identified, of which 22 were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final meta-analysis included 17 of the 22 studies. Results of random effects modeling revealed a moderate correlation between PA and MPA among adolescents and young adults (summary r=-0.243, P<.001). Sensitivity and publication bias analyses further demonstrated the robustness of our results. All the included studies were scored as high quality with a low risk of bias. Subgroup analysis further indicated that none of the hypothesized moderators (time of data collection, country or region, and type of population) significantly affected the relationship between PA and MPA, as confirmed by the mixed effects analysis. In addition, in the data collection subgroups, medium effect sizes were obtained for data collected before COVID-19 (r=-0.333, P<.001) and data collected during COVID-19 (r=-0.207, P<.001). In subgroup analyses for country or region, the correlation coefficient for China and other developing regions showed a similarly moderate effect size (r=-0.201, P<.001 and r= -0.217, P<.001, respectively). However, the effect sizes for developed regions were not significant (r=-0.446, P=.39). In a subgroup analysis based on the type of population, we found that the effect size for young adults was moderate (r=-0.250, P<.001). However, that of adolescents was not significant (r=-0.129, P=.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate a moderately negative relationship between PA and MPA among young adults. The strength of this relationship was not influenced by the time of data collection, country or region, or type of population.

Prevalence of smartphone addiction and its associated factors among pre-clinical medical and dental students in a public university in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Smartphone addiction is becoming a global concern affecting every part of society, including healthcare professionals. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of risk of smartphone addiction and its associated factors among medical and dental students in a public university in Malaysia.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study was conducted among pre-clinical medical and dental students using convenience sampling. Questions regarding sociodemographic profile and responses to the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Score questionnaire (DASS-21) were collected. Multiple logistic regression testing was used to analyse the factors associated with smartphone addiction.

RESULTS

We invited 409 pre-clinical medical and dental students to participate voluntarily, resulting in a response rate of 80.2%. The prevalence of high-risk smartphone addiction among the participants was 47.9%. Male participants, participants who used smartphones mainly for social media, and participants with depressive symptoms were more likely to have a high risk of smartphone addiction. Medical students, participants who spent less than 3 hours per day on a smartphone, and participants who used smartphones for education-related activities were less likely to have a high risk of smartphone addiction.

CONCLUSION

Smartphone addiction prevalence among pre-clinical medical and dental students was high. Therefore, the authorities should overcome this problem by implementing early measures.

Association Between Time Spent on Electronic Devices and Body Mass Index in Young Adults

Objective

To evaluate the association between time spent on electronic devices (TSED) and body mass index in young adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021 on 1877 students (aged 18–22 yrs) from multiple health Colleges of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. The main tools of the study were 1) Body mass index (BMI) and an online questionnaire. The subjects were categorized into 3 main groups based on their TSED: 1) Low TSED < 2 hours/day, 2) Medium TSED= 3 to 5 hours/day, 3) Excessive TSED ≥ 6 hours /day. Based on BMI, subjects were categorized into three main groups: Normal and underweight (BMI ≤ 24.9), overweight (BMI > 25–29.9), and obese (BMI > 30).

Results

Participants’ average age was 20 ± 2 years. The average BMI was 23.5 k/m². The % of students falling into the categories of normal weight, overweight, and obesity was 69.2%, 19.05%, and 11.7% respectively. The average TSED of study participants was 8.2 ± 3.45 hrs /24 hours. 71.15% of participants indicated a TSED of ≥6 hrs/24 hours and 23.71% reported a TSED of 3–5 hrs/24 hours. Only 3.15% of participants reported TSED of ≤2 hrs/24 hours. Although a rise in the mean BMI was observed with an increase in the TSED, but this difference was not statistically significant. The pairwise wise comparison also failed to demonstrate any difference in BMI between different categories of TSED. Furthermore, no significant positive correlation was found between increased BMI and excessive TSED (P = 0.37).

Conclusion

A high percentage of young adults (31.2%) were overweight or obese, but excessive TSED was not significantly associated with increased BMI in this study population. Further studies are recommended to identify the effects of other factors in causing increased BMI in young adults.

The Impact of Smartphone Addiction on Chinese University Students' Physical Activity: Exploring the Role of Motivation and Self-Efficacy

Background

Previous studies showed that smartphone addiction (SA) can lead to reduced physical activity (PA), but only a few studies have explored the impact of SA from psychological perspective closely related to PA. This study aimed to examine the extrinsic and partial psychological factors leading to decrease in PA using structural equation modelling analysis.

Methods

We conducted an online survey on 628 males and 1159 female students from 10 universities in Henan Province, China, through a questionnaire survey application “Questionnaire Star”. This study used three models to test the mediating effects of three types of motives (intrinsic motives, body-related motives, and social motives) and self-efficacy, respectively, in the relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activities.

Results

Our result confirmed that smartphone addiction leads to lower physical activities. Secondly, self-efficacy mediates smartphone addiction and physical activities, but the mediating effect of all three types of motivation is not significant. Thirdly, smartphone addiction did not affect intrinsic motivation and body-related motivation, but positively affects social motivation. Finally, as the motivation type changes from internal to external, the mediating effect of self-efficacy becomes stronger.

Conclusion

This study showed that smartphone addiction lead to increase social motivation and decreased self-efficacy, and is a potential barrier to personal participation in physical activities. Our findings provide a new perspective for future design physical activities interventions in China and worldwide especially among university students where smartphone addiction is a problem.

The Role of Motivation Systems, Anxiety, and Low Self-Control in Smartphone Addiction among Smartphone-Based Social Networking Service (SNS) Users

Given that Social Networking Service (SNS) has emerged as the most influential platform, which can lead users to addictive smartphone use, it is necessary to investigate which psychological variables lead smartphone-based SNS users to addictive smartphone use. Still, studies on the relationship between psychological variables and addictive smartphone use among smartphone-based SNS users remain to be explored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of psychological factors on smartphone addiction proneness (SAP). A total of 433 smartphone-based SNS users were collected from 5003 adults in Korea. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and path analysis using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 23.0. The results of a parallel-mediation path analysis demonstrated that Behavioral Inhibition (BIS), Behavioral activation (BAS) drive, anxiety, and low self-control directly influenced SAP, separately. BIS and BAS _drive also had significant indirect effects on SAP through the effect of anxiety. BIS and BAS_fun had significant indirect effects on SAP through the effect of low self-control. The study variables accounted for 38.4 of the total variances of SAP. Thus, when establishing interventions to reduce the users' addictive smartphone use, these interactive relationships of the variables should be considered.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Problematic Use of Smartphones Among Adults in Qassim, Saudi Arabia: Cross-sectional Survey

Background

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) ranks third globally in smartphone use. Smartphones have made many aspects of life easier. However, the overuse of smartphones is associated with physical and psychosocial problems.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of problematic use of smartphones among adults in the Qassim region of KSA.

Methods

We enrolled 715 participants using cluster random sampling for this cross-sectional survey. We assessed the problematic use of smartphones using the short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale.

Results

We estimated the prevalence of problematic smartphone use among adults at 64% (453/708). Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that students are 3 times more likely to demonstrate problematic use compared with unemployed individuals (P=.03); adults using more than five apps are 2 times more likely to demonstrate problematic use compared to those using a maximum of three apps (P=.007). Protective factors against problematic smartphone use include using apps for academic (odds ratio [OR] 0.66; P=.04) or religious needs (OR 0.55; P=.007) and having a monthly family income of 5001-10,000 SAR (Saudi Riyal; US $1300-$2700; OR 0.46; P=.01) or 10,001-20,000 SAR (US $2700-$5400; OR 0.51; P=.03) compared to the <1501 SAR (US $400) income group.

Conclusions

We reported a very high prevalence of problematic use of smartphones in KSA. Considering its negative impact on physical and psychosocial health, public health programs should develop preventive strategies.

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis of Smartphone Use in University Students

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is an expanded public health heed that requires more study to clarify the influence elements of different populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between smartphone use, and sleep quality, self-perceived health, and exercise participation in university students. A total of 1,575 Taiwanese undergraduate students from 7 universities participated in the study. Three questionnaires were completed by the study individuals. The results show the overall PSU rate was 11.8%. Average smartphone users were more likely to feel in good health, better sleep quality and less unsatisfactory exercise participation than those who were problematic smartphone users. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that PSU, low weekly exercise frequency, and poor sleep quality were significant indicators of poor self-perceived health. We concluded that both low physical activity and PSU did have negative impacts on self-perceived health and sleep quality for undergraduate students.

Smartphone Addiction Prevalence and Its Association on Academic Performance, Physical Health, and Mental Well-Being among University Students in Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), Saudi Arabia

Smartphone use can lead to smartphone addiction, which is a growing concern worldwide. However, there are limited studies about smartphone addiction and its impacts on university students in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to fill this gap. This is a quantitative study conducted among undergraduate students in Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), Saudi Arabia from May 2019 and February 2021. Study data were collected using both online and hard copy administered surveys. A self-administered questionnaire, Grade point average, Smartphone Addiction Short Version, and Kessler Psychological Distress scales were used to assess the outcomes. A total of 545 undergraduate students, mostly females, aged ≤21 years old and lived with large family sizes. More than half owned a smartphone for 5–8 years and the majority used their smartphone on average 6–11 h per day for social networking (82.6%), entertainment (66.2%) and web surfing (59.6%). Most of the participants were smartphone-addicted (67.0%). Logistic regression analysis showed that age ≤ 21, not gainfully employed, small family size and high family income were the main significant socio-demographic predictors of smartphone addiction. Smartphone-addicted participants were more likely to: have lower academic performance (GPA); be physically inactive; have poor sleep; be overweight/obese; have pain in their shoulder (39.2%), eyes (62.2%) and neck (67.7%) and have a serious mental illness (30.7%). This finding has significant implications for decision makers and suggests that smartphone education focusing on the physical and mental health consequences of smartphone addiction among university students can be beneficial.

The Validity and Reliability of the Serbian Version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale—Short Version

Background and Objectives: Smartphone use has been rapidly increasing worldwide, which has brought possible smartphone addiction into the focus of research. In order to identify potential smartphone addicts, several scales were developed to assess smartphone addiction. Among them, the Smartphone Addiction Scale was frequently used. The study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the Serbian version of the SAS-SV and estimate smartphone addiction prevalence among medical students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in December 2018 on a convenience sample of 323 third-year medical students. The cross-cultural adaptation was performed following the well-established guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-reported measures. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the structure of the questionnaire. Factor extraction was performed by principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. For test–retest reliability, students completed the questionnaire twice within seven days. Results: The Serbian version of the SAS-SV showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89) and excellent reliability for test–retest scores (ICC = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.92–0.96). Factor analysis supported the extraction of one factor, which explained 51.538% of the variance. To explore convergent validity furthermore, the SAS-SV was correlated with time indicators of smartphone use. According to cut-off values for the SAS-SV score, 19.5% of students could be regarded as “addicted”, and often spent more time on smartphones and social networks on working days and weekends than “not addicted” students. Conclusions: The Serbian version of the SAS-SV is a reliable and valid instrument for detecting smartphone addiction among university students. Further research on this issue is encouraged to enable a better understanding of this ever-increasing public health issue.

The Effects of Smartphone and Internet Gaming Addiction on Eating Attitudes Among University Students

OBJECTIVE

Smartphone addiction is a public health problem increasing with the technologic developments. It particularly affects the university students negatively in terms of psychological, physical, academic achievement and social relations. This study aims to investigate the relation of eating attitudes between smartphone addiction and internet gaming disorder, also the relation of smartphone addiction with obesity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional and prospective study is consisted of 358 volunteer university students. Socio-demographic data form, Short Form of Smartphone Addiction Scale (SF-SAS), Eating Attitude Test (EAT), and internet gaming disorder scale were administered to the participants.

RESULTS

Mean age of the participants was 22.27±3.10 years and 59.8% (n=214) were female. In terms of the variables "body mass index, body weight, faculty of the student, economic status of the family, and the people they live with together" were significantly different from controls. Also "monthly mobile phone invoice, EAT score, SF-SAS scores" were statistically different. A significant difference was found among "body weight groups" in terms of both EAT score and SF-SAS. According to the linear regression model variables of "gender, smartphone addiction, and school year" were determined as the predictors for EAT.

CONCLUSION

Our current study has revealed the relation between smartphone addiction and eating attitudes, and obesity. Smartphone addiction may lead to an increase in body weight, by affecting eating attitudes. Therefore, the effect of eating behavior disorders in the emergence of the smartphone addiction should be considered. Multi-disciplinary solutions are required to prevent this addiction that may increase over time.

The effect of smartphone addiction on physical activity level in sports science undergraduates

BACKGROUND

Smartphones are thought to have many negative effects on interpersonal relationships, physical-mental health, and general functionality as well as bring many conveniences to our daily lives. This study aimed to determine the effect of smartphone addiction on physical activity level in sports science undergraduates. Secondly, comparing the physical activity level in students by gender was aimed.

METHOD

A total of 300 (134 female, 166 male) healthy university students were included in this study. The mean age of the subjects was 21.36 ± 2.33 years. The universe of the study consisted of volunteer students (Coaching Education, Physical Education and Sports Teaching, Sports Management, Recreation Departments) at the Faculty of Sport Sciences. Participants' demographic information was obtained and their physical activity levels were questioned with International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ) and smartphone addictions with the Smartphone Addiction Scale- Short Version (SAS-SV). The significance level was accepted as p < .05 in statistical evaluations.

RESULTS

According to IPAQ scores, physical activity levels of the participants were as follows; 65.3% were adequate, 32.7% low and 2% inactive. One-hundred and twenty-six participants (42%) were smartphone addicts according to the SAS-SV results. When the departments were examined within themselves, it was found that IPAQ and SAS-SV scores were negatively correlated for Physical Education and Sports Teaching (r = - 0.262; p = .021) and Sports management (r = - 0.295; p = .01).

Relationship between eating disorders and internet and smartphone addiction in college students

PURPOSE

This study was planned and conducted to determine the relation between eating behavior disorder and smartphones and the internet in college students.

METHODS

This research was performed on a total of 437 college students, including 116 males and 321 females. A questionnaire questioning the general characteristics (age, sex, department, socioeconomic status, skipping meal, number of main meals and snacks in a day, sleeping duration, doing physical activity, height, and body weight) of students was used. In addition, Eating Attitude Test-40 (EAT-40), Young's Internet Addiction Scale, and Smartphone Addiction Scale were used to measure eating behavior disorders, internet addiction, and smartphone addiction, respectively. Height and body weight were measured in accordance with the method.

RESULTS

12.6% of the students participating in the study were at risk for eating disorders. Female students had higher EAT-40 scores than male students. 13% of students had potential internet addiction. According to Pearson chi-square test, the prevalence of potential internet addiction (36.4%) in students with eating disorder was higher than those without eating disorder (9.7%) (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analyses displayed that Smartphone Addiction Test score associated positively with EAT-40 score (r = 0.277) and Internet Addiction Test score (r = 0.665) and students' body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.121). In addition to these, students' duration of staying on the internet correlated with their BMI (r = 0.137). Males had a higher rate of potential internet addiction than females (22.4% in males and 9.7% in females, respectively) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present results suggest that students' duration of using the internet affects smartphone addiction and internet addiction, both of which influence eating behavior disorder. In addition, both smartphone and internet addiction and eating behavior disorder correlated positively and significantly with overweight.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V: cross-sectional descriptive study.

Smartphone Use Among University Students During COVID-19 Quarantine: An Ethical Trigger

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, Jordan enforced 10 weeks of home quarantine in the spring of 2020. A cross-sectional study was designed to assess this extended quarantine's effect on smartphone addiction levels among undergraduates. A random sample of 6,157 undergraduates completed an online questionnaire (mean age 19.79 ± 1.67 years; males 28.7%). The questionnaire contains different sections to collect socio-demographic, socio-economic, academic, quarantine-related information, and smartphone usage. The smartphone addiction scale-short version was used to assess the degree of addiction during the quarantine. The mean addiction score across the whole sample was 35.66 ± 12.08, while the prevalence of addiction among participants was 62.4% (63.5% in males and 61.9% in females). The majority of the participants (85%) reported that their smartphone usage during the quarantine increased or greatly increased (27.6 and 57.2%, respectively), with some 42% using their smartphones for more than 6 h a day. Nevertheless, three-quarters of the students wished to reduce their smartphone usage. Several demographic and quarantine factors have been assessed, and students' gender, the field of study, parental education, household income in addition to the location of quarantine (urban, rural) and the house specifications (apartment, independent house, with/without a garden) showed statistically significant associations with smartphone addiction during the quarantine. Female students, students studying scientific- and medical-related majors compared to those studying humanity majors, those with higher incomes, those who had been quarantined in an apartment without a garden, and those who lived in urban areas showed significantly higher addiction scores.

Effects of Online Social Support and Perceived Social Support on the Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Problematic Smartphone Usage Among Chinese Undergraduates

PURPOSE

Recent research has identified a relationship between perceived stress and problematic smartphone usage. However, little is known about the underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms. The present study aimed to test the relationship between perceived stress and problematic smartphone usage as well as the mediating role of online social support and the moderating role of perceived social support among Chinese undergraduates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A sample of 1123 college students participated in the study. The Perceived Stress Scale, Mobile Phone Addiction Index Scale, Online Social Support Questionnaire, and Perceived Social Support Scale were used.

RESULTS

Perceived stress was significantly and positively associated with problematic smartphone usage, and online social support partially mediated the relationship between perceived stress and problematic smartphone usage. Moderated mediation analysis suggested that perceived social support moderated the association between perceived stress and online social support. This relationship became stronger for college students with lower levels of perceived social support.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study can contribute to a better understanding of how perceived stress increases the risk of problematic smartphone usage. The importance of reducing online social support and enhancing perceived social support in preventing undergraduates' problematic smartphone usage is highlighted. The findings should be taken with caution given the convenience sampling and cross-sectional study design.

The relationship of smartphone addiction with psychological distress and neuroticism among university medical students

Background

Smartphone plays a vital role in higher education as it serves as a device with multiple functions. Smartphone addiction was reported on the rise among college and university students. The addiction may result in unwanted consequences on their academic performance and psychological health. One factor that consistently relates to psychological distress and smartphone addiction is the neurotic personality trait. This study explored the relationship of smartphone addiction with psychological health and neuroticism among USM medical students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out on medical students in a public medical school. DASS-21, the neuroticism-subscale of USMaP-i and SAS-SV were administered to measure psychological distress, neuroticism, and smartphone addiction of the medical students. Spearman correlation was performed to examine the correlation between smartphone addiction with psychological distress and neuroticism. Simple linear regression was performed to investigate relationship factors of smartphone addiction.

Results

A total of 574 medical students participated in this study. The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 40.6%. It was higher among male (49.2%) compared to female (36.6%) medical students. The result showed a fair positive correlation between smartphone addiction and psychological health (rdepression = 0.277, p-value < 0.001; ranxiety = 0.312, p-value < 0.001; rstress = 0.329, p-value < 0.001). However, there was a poor positive correlation between smartphone addiction and neuroticism (r = 0.173, p-value < 0.001). The simple linear regression showed a significant increase in the levels of depression, anxiety, stress and neuroticism upon one unit increase in smartphone addiction (bdepression = 0.101, p-value < 0.001; banxiety = 0.120, p-value < 0.001; bstress = 0.132, p-value < 0.001; bneuroticism = 0.404, p-value < 0.05). These results indicated significant relationships between smartphone addiction, psychological health and neuroticism.

Conclusion

This study suggested a high prevalence of smartphone addiction among medical students, particularly in male medical students. The smartphone addiction might lead to psychological problems and the most vulnerable group is the medical student with the neurotic personality trait.

Development of the Smartphone Addiction Risk Rating Score for a Smartphone Addiction Management Application

Smartphone usage characteristics are useful for identification of the risk factors for smartphone addiction. Risk rating scores can be developed based on smartphone usage characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the smartphone addiction risk rating (SARR) score using smartphone usage characteristics. We evaluated 593 smartphone users using online surveys conducted between January 2 and January 31, 2019. We identified 102 smartphone users who were addicted to smartphones and 491 normal users based on the Korean Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale for Adults. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant risk factors for smartphone addiction. The SARR score was calculated using a nomogram based on the significant risk factors. Weekend average usage time, habitual smartphone behavior, addictive smartphone behavior, social usage, and process usage were the significant risk factors associated with smartphone addiction. Furthermore, we developed the SARR score based on these factors. The SARR score ranged between 0 and 221 points, with the cut-off being 116.5 points. We developed a smartphone addiction management application using the SARR score. The SARR score provided insights for the development of monitoring, prevention, and prompt intervention services for smartphone addiction.

The correlation of Internet addiction towards adolescents' social interaction

Objectives Internet addiction is a pathological condition that drives a person to use technology excessively. Internet addiction can cause problems among adolescents to lose interest in everyday life and triggers social interaction problems. Aim: explaining the correlation between Internet addiction and adolescents' social interaction. Methods This study was a correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Respondents in this study were high school adolescents aged 15-18 years (n=215). The independent variable used in this study was Internet addiction and dependent variable was adolescents' social interaction (social interaction between adolescents and parents, peer, school environment and community). The level of Internet addiction was measured by the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) by Kimberly S. Young and Griffiths. The data obtained were analyzed using the Spearman rho. Results There was a significant that relationship between adolescent Internet addiction and interaction with parents (r=-0.568; p=0.000), peers (r=-0.587; p=0.000), and school environment (r=-0.213; p=0.002) but there was no relation between Internet addiction towards social interaction of adolescents with the community (r=-0, 090; p=0.191). Conclusions This study showed that Internet addiction could affect adolescent social interactions with parents, peers and their interactions in the school environment.

Smartphone Addiction and Its Relationship with Depression in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: This study was aimed to determine the risk factors and at-risk prevalence for smartphone addiction, and also investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction and depression in Necmettin Erbakan University students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 509 students who were enrolled in Necmettin Erbakan University, between March 1 and June 15, 2017. Together with the questionnaire form which was prepared by researchers after literature review, Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version and Beck Depression Inventory were applied to the participants under supervision. Results: At-risk prevalence for smartphone addiction in the participants was 46.4%. There were statistically significant differences between the at-risk prevalence for smartphone addiction and gender, age, class they attended, daily smartphone use time, to use or not to use social network sites on smartphone, most used social network sites on smartphone, place of residence and most frequently purpose of smartphone usage. Of the participants, 31.4% were at risk for depression. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the at-risk prevalences for smartphone addiction and depression at a weak level. Conclusion: This study results showed that there are considerable numbers of university students who are at risk for smartphone addiction and depression. For more accurate results about smartphone addiction and depression relationship further clinical researches should be done. Keywords: addiction, depression, mobile phone, students, universities

Association of problematic smartphone use with poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To quantitatively assess the association of problematic smartphone use (PSU) with poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety, we reviewed current evidence from observational studies and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. The EBSCO PsycARTICLES, EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched, and 14 studies were included for the systematic review and meta-analysis. We calculated odds risk and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using random-effect or fixed-effect models. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² and chi² statistics. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on country, adjusted variables, the methods of statistical analysis, outcome measures and publication year. We found significantly increased risks of poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety in people with PSU. Our findings highlight the necessity of managing the PSU. However, further studies are required to confirm the results due to the high heterogeneity and methodological limitations.

Does smartphone addiction affect social interaction: a study among dental students in Hyderabad

OBJECTIVE

Technology has revolutionized the way people communicate and changed communication in many ways. The evolution of the smartphone may shed some light on this. Though smartphones are user friendly, they can be detrimental to a user's health if they are used in an addictive manner. With easy accessibility to smartphones, dental students may fall prey to smartphone addiction (SA) which in turn may affect their social interaction. Therefore, this paper aimed to examine whether SA affects social interaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate dental students from five dental institutions in Hyderabad. Participants received a questionnaire assessing SA [15 item-Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale (SAPS-15)], social interaction [20 item-Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) ). The chi-square (χ²)-test was used to determine the association between SA and social interaction anxiety. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The study comprised 470 (30.7%) males and 1060 (69.3%) females. Multiple logistic regression revealed females [1.65; confidence interval (CI) = 0.88-1.88] and third year students (2.12; CI: 1.45-2.23) had significantly higher odds for social interaction anxiety (p ≤ 0.05*).

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the present study supported the hypothesis that SA affects social interaction anxiety among undergraduate dental students.

Prevalence of problematic smartphone usage and associated mental health outcomes amongst children and young people: a systematic review, meta-analysis and GRADE of the evidence

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, smartphone use has become widespread amongst today's children and young people (CYP) which parallels increases in poor mental health in this group. Simultaneously, media concern abounds about the existence of 'smartphone addiction' or problematic smartphone use. There has been much recent research concerning the prevalence of problematic smartphone use is in children and young people who use smartphones, and how this syndrome relates to mental health outcomes, but this has not been synthesized and critically evaluated.

AIMS

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of PSU and quantify the association with mental health harms.

METHODS

A search strategy using Medical Subject Headings was developed and adapted for eight databases between January 1, 1st 2011 to October 15th 2017. No language restriction was applied. Of 924 studies identified, 41 were included in this review, three of which were cohort studies and 38 were cross sectional studies. The mental health outcomes were self-reported: depression; anxiety; stress; poor sleep quality; and decreased educational attainment, which were synthesized according to an a priori protocol.

RESULTS

The studies included 41,871 CYP, and 55% were female. The median prevalence of PSU amongst CYP was 23.3% (14.0-31.2%). PSU was associated with an increased odds of depression (OR = 3.17;95%CI 2.30-4.37;I2 = 78%); increased anxiety (OR = 3.05 95%CI 2.64-3.53;I2 = 0%); higher perceived stress (OR = 1.86;95%CI 1.24-2.77;I2 = 65%); and poorer sleep quality (OR = 2.60; 95%CI; 1.39-4.85, I2 = 78%).

CONCLUSIONS

PSU was reported in approximately one in every four CYP and accompanied by an increased odds of poorer mental health. PSU is an evolving public health concern that requires greater study to determine the boundary between helpful and harmful technology use. Policy guidance is needed to outline harm reduction strategies.

Mini Review of the Use of the Mobile Phone and Its Repercussion in the Deficit of Physical Activity

Background

Current technology has the ability to distract and evade its users, this resulting in an addiction or "escape" from the real world. The excessive use of smartphones can cause a decrease in physical activity (PA) for many people prefer to use these devices rather than do the recommended physical exercise.

Objective

The objective of this paper is to analyze the possible relation between the use of smartphones and the reduction in the practice of PA that is reflected in scientific articles.

Methods

The PRISMA statement has been followed for systematic reviews and meta-analyses in order to achieve a correct organization and integrity of the work. Our search for bibliography has been carried out in the WOS and Scopus databases, together with the research domains "Social Sciences Other Topics," "Education Educational Research," and "Sport Sciences." After applying the inclusion criteria, a total of 14 articles were obtained, these forming the base body of this research.

Results

Nine of the fourteen articles show that there is a negative relationship between the smartphone and PA practice. The age groups most studied in relation to this topic range from 13 to 18 and from 19 to 25.

Conclusion

It is our conclusion that the inappropriate use of these mobile devices is associated with low levels of motivation and practice of PA in their users. Similarly, we have emphasized the lack of scientific work dealing with this issue.

Mobile Phone Use and Mental Health. A Review of the Research That Takes a Psychological Perspective on Exposure

The purpose of this study was to carry out a review of observational studies that consider links between mobile phone use and mental health from a psychological or behavioral perspective. Systematic literature searches in PubMed and PsycINFO for articles published until 2017 were done. Exclusion criteria included: papers that considered radiofrequency fields, attention, safety, relational consequences, sexual behavior, cyberbullying, and reviews, qualitative, and case or experimental studies. A total of 4738 papers were screened by title and abstract, 404 were retrieved in full text, and 290 were included. Only 5% had any longitudinal design. Self-reporting was the dominating method of measurement. One third of the studies included children or youth. A majority of adult populations consisted of university students and/or self-selected participants. The main research results included associations between frequent mobile phone use and mental health outcomes, such as depressive symptoms and sleep problems. Mobile phone use at bedtime was associated with, e.g., shorter sleep duration and lower sleep quality. "Problematic use" (dependency) was associated with several negative outcomes. In conclusion, associations between mobile phone use and adverse mental health outcomes are found in studies that take a psychological or behavioral perspective on the exposure. However, more studies of high quality are needed in order to draw valid conclusions about the mechanisms and causal directions of associations.

Translation of the short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale into Brazilian Portuguese: cross-cultural adaptation and testing of measurement properties

BACKGROUND

Smartphone use has been constantly increasing. Smartphone addiction can lead to changes in the emotional state and musculoskeletal system of users. To identify smartphone addicts, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version was developed; however, this scale has not been translated into Brazilian Portuguese and tested for its measurement properties.

OBJECTIVE

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version into Brazilian Portuguese; to assess the internal consistency, reliability and construct validity of the scale among university students.

METHODS

The cross-cultural adaptation was performed following the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures, and data were collected via online surveys administered to 59 university students over 18 years of age for test-retest. To test the measurement properties of the final version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, a convenience sample including 130 university students was used.

RESULTS

The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version showed good reliability for test-retest scores (ICC_3,1=0.82; 95% CI=0.70-0.89) and good internal consistency considering all 10 items (Cronbach's alpha=0.95). The construct validity was calculated comparing the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version score to data from a questionnaire prepared by the authors of this study, including frequency per day (r=0.35; p<0.001), leisure time on the smartphone (r=0.33; p<0.001), and time working on the smartphone (r=0.18; p=0.04) that were significantly positively associated with higher Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version scores. The results show a high prevalence of smartphone addiction among university students (33.1%).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version is a reliable and valid tool for screening smartphone addiction in university students.