Adolescents' Addictive Phone Use: Associations with Eating Behaviors and Adiposity

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of the Smombie Scale for Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Smombie has become an important problem especially in terms of adolescent health. The aim of this study was to translate the Smombie Scale for Adolescents (SSA) into Turkish and to examine its psychometric properties.

METHODS

This study has a methodological design. The study was conducted between March and April 2024. The sample of the study consisted of 430 adolescents. The data were collected by using Personal Information Form and SSA. Content Validity Index, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), test-retest reliability, Cronbach's α coefficient, item-total score correlation, 27% upper-lower group item analysis and Hotelling T2 test were used in data analysis.

RESULTS

The four-factor structure of the scale showed a good fit in CFA (chi-square minimum discrepancy [CMIN] = 187.463, degrees of freedo (DF) = 83, CMIN/DF = 2.259, root mean square error of approximation = 0.054, root mean square residual = 0.033, goodness of fit index = 0.947, adjusted goodness of fit index = 0.923, normed fit index = 0.930, tucker-lewis index = 0.949 and comparative fit index = 0.959). Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was found to be 0.86. The item-total score correlation of the scale was found between 0.212 and 0.721. The test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient of the scale was found to be 0.876.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the scale is a reliable tool for assessing adolescents' smombie tendencies. It is thought that the scale will contribute to the protection and development of adolescent health.

Emotional eating, internet overuse, and alcohol intake among college students: a pilot study with virtual reality

Introduction

The term emotional eating (EE) describes the tendency to eat as an automatic response to negative emotions and has been linked to anxiety and depression, common symptoms among the university population. The EE tendencies have also been associated with excessive internet use and an increase in alcohol intake among young university students.

Methods

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the tendency towards EE and other health-compromising behaviors, such as excessive internet use or high alcohol intake. Additionally, it aims to investigate the association of these risky behaviors with the participants' performance level in a virtual reality (VR) task that assesses their executive functioning, and to assess impulsivity and levels of anxiety and depression.

Results

The results associate EE with excessive internet (r = 0.332; p < 0.01). use but not with alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption was not associated with anxiety, depression, or impulsivity, but it was related to altered executive functions in the VR task: flexibility and working memory explained 24.5% of the variance. By contrast, EE and internet overuse were not related to executive function but were associated with impulsivity, depression, and anxiety. Impulsivity and depressive symptoms accounted for 45% of the variance in EE. Depression, trait anxiety and impulsivity explained 40.6% of the variance in internet overuse.

Discussion

The results reveal distinct patterns of psychological and neuropsychological alterations associated with alcohol consumption compared to emotional eating (EE) and excessive internet use. These findings underscore significant differences in the contributing factors between addictions and other substance-free addictive behaviors. For a deeper understanding of the various contributing factors to EE in college students, further research is recommended.

How does smartphone addiction affect the lives of adolescents socially and academically?: a systematic review study

Today, adolescents tend to accept smartphones more quickly than adults and spend more time with these devices since they are members of the first generation born and living in environments where smartphones and the internet are common. However, when they use smartphones excessively and become addicted to smartphones, this may cause them to suffer from various psychological, emotional, and physical health problems from an early age. Therefore, this study systematically examines the articles on smartphone addiction in adolescents. For this purpose, the related articles were screened using the Web of Science database and 188 studies by the search criteria were subjected to a systematic review. In this sense, methodological tendencies, variables and main findings of the studies included in the present study were examined. This study revealed that the quantitative research method was primarily used. The studies mainly investigated smartphone use, social relations, demographic characteristics, depression, personal characteristics, and sleep variables. Moreover, the studies were primarily conducted in China, and large sample groups were preferred. The factors that triggered the smartphone addiction of adolescents were family problems, and especially females were more addicted to smartphones than males. Moreover, smartphone addiction causes depressive symptoms, sleep problems, and decreased academic achievement in adolescents. Finally, various suggestions were presented based on the findings of this study.

The relationship between social media addiction and emotional appetite: a cross-sectional study among young adults in Turkey

OBJECTIVE

The present study focused on the relationship between addiction to social media (SM) and emotional appetite in young adults.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional online survey.

SETTING

The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and Emotional Appetite Questionnaire (EMAQ) were used, and the duration and frequency of SM tools usage were analysed.

PARTICIPANTS

Five hundred and twenty-four participants (144 men and 380 women) aged between 18 and 25 years.

RESULTS

The mean of SM usage duration of participants was 3·2 ± 2·2 h per d along with a mean of BSMAS score of 16·1 ± 5·9. Concerning emotional appetite, the mean scores for positive and negative aspects of EMAQ were 4·4 ± 1·9 and 3·1 ± 1·2, respectively. The predominant SM tools were YouTube (92·6 %) and Instagram (90·3 %). Notably, a significant association was observed between SM addiction and the frequency of access to YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter, with addiction levels increasing as access frequency rose (P < 0·01).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a possible relationship between SM addiction and emotional appetite among young adults. However, further research with more prominent participants and a lengthier follow-up duration is necessary to elucidate how SM tools affect eating behaviour.

Relationship between Diet Quality and Socioeconomic and Health-Related Factors in Adolescents by Gender

Adolescence is a key period for consolidating heathy lifestyles and proper eating habits that can last into adulthood. To analyze the diet quality of Spanish adolescents and its association with socioeconomic factors and health behaviors by gender, a cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the DESKcohort project, consisting of a biannual panel survey on health, health behaviors, and associated determinants, collected in secondary education centers. The study population consisted of 7319 students aged 12 to 18 years. Data were collected from October 2019 to March 2020. The dependent variable was diet quality score according to the Spanish adaptation of the Healthy Eating Index (S-HEI). The independent variables included were socioeconomic factors and health behaviors. We conducted linear regression separately by gender. Diet quality score was significantly higher for girls than for boys (68 and 65, respectively, p < 0.001). For both genders, poorer diet quality was associated with a low level of physical activity [-0.9 (95% CI = -1.6:-0.2) in boys, -1.2 (95% CI = -1.9:-0.4) in girls], alcohol use [-2.5 (95% CI = -3.7:-1.3) in boys, -1.0 (95% CI = -1.9:0.0) in girls], poor self-perceived health [-1.1 (95% CI = -2.4:0.2) in boys, -3.5 (95% CI = -4.6:-2.4) in girls], and having attended Intermediate Level Training Cycles [-2.9 (95% CI = -4.3:-1.5) in boys, -1.9 (95% CI = -3.5:-0.3) in girls]. In girls, poorer diet quality also was associated with low mood [-1.1 (95% CI = -1.9:-0.3)]. The variance was 9% in boys and 12% in girls. Our results highlight the need to consider socioeconomic and health-related factors, as well as gender, when conducting interventions to promote healthy eating among adolescents.

Structural equation modeling of direct and indirect associations of social media addiction with eating behavior in adolescents and young adults

Social media (SM) exerts important effects on health-related behaviors such as eating behaviors (EB). The present study was designed to determine the direct and indirect association of SM addiction with EB in adolescents and young adults through body image (BI). In this cross-sectional study, 12-22 years old adolescents and young adults, with no history of mental disorders or psychiatric medications usage were studied through an online questionnaire shared via SM platforms. Data were gathered about SM addiction, BI, and EB in its sub-scales. A single approach and multi-group path analyses were performed to find possible direct and indirect associations of SM addiction with EB through BI concerns. Overall, 970 subjects, 55.8% boys, were included in the analysis. Both multi-group (β = 0.484, SE = 0.025, P < 0.001) and fully-adjusted (β = 0.460, SE = 0.026, P < 0.001) path analyses showed higher SM addiction is related to disordered BI. Furthermore, the multi-group analysis showed one unit increment in SM addiction score was associated with 0.170 units higher scores for emotional eating (SE = 0.032, P < 0.001), 0.237 for external stimuli (SE = 0.032, P < 0.001), and 0.122 for restrained eating (SE = 0.031, P < 0.001). The present study revealed that SM addiction is associated with EB both directly and also indirectly through deteriorating BI in adolescents and young adults.

The Interrelationship of Loneliness, Smartphone Addiction, Sleep Quality, and Students' Attention in English as a Foreign Language Class

In this study, a research model comprising four variables (loneliness, smartphone addiction, sleep quality, and students' attention in English as a foreign language class) was proposed and statistically examined. Previous literature has appeared to neglect these variables, which are considered to be essential to understanding students' attention in EFL (English as a foreign language) class among college students. A total of 587 undergraduate students were recruited from a university in Taiwan to participate in the present study. The technique of structural equation modeling was adopted to test the hypotheses in the conceptual model. The findings of this study are: (1) smartphone addiction has a significant negative impact on students' attention in EFL class; (2) smartphone addiction has a significant negative impact on sleep quality; (3) sleep quality has a significant positive impact on students' attention in EFL class; (4) sleep quality partially mediates the relationship between smartphone addiction and students' attention in EFL class; (5) loneliness has a significant positive effect on smartphone addiction. The results can enrich the present literature in the psychology of attention and mobile technology by providing an insight into the dynamics of these four variables.

Appearance satisfaction mediates the relationship between recreational screen time and depressive symptoms in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Research suggests there is an association between high levels of recreational screen time and depression among adolescents; however, mechanisms driving this association remain unknown. The present study examined appearance and weight satisfaction and disordered eating behaviors as mediators in the relationship between recreational screen time and depressive symptoms in adolescents.

METHOD

Longitudinal data on screen time, depressive symptoms, disordered eating behaviors, and appearance and weight satisfaction from 304 adolescents (194 females, M_age  = 13.40) were analyzed through a moment structure model.

RESULTS

Results revealed appearance dissatisfaction mediated the direct effect of recreational screen time on depressive symptoms (Estimate = 0.48, SE = .18, 95% CI [0.12, 0.84]), and that recreational screen time was significantly related to lower appearance satisfaction (Estimate = -0.06, SE = .02, 95% CI [-0.10, -0.01]), which was significantly predictive of more severe depressive symptoms (Estimate = -1.49, SE = .62, 95% CI [-2.71, -0.28]).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that modulating screen time may be an efficacious strategy to reduce appearance dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms during adolescence.

Problematic social media use, digital gaming addiction and excessive screen time among Turkish adolescents during remote schooling: implications on mental and academic well-being

Objective: The present study aimed to describe screen use patterns among Turkish adolescents during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic with a special emphasis on social media and digital gaming addiction, and explore how these are linked to adolescents’ mental and academic well-being. Materials and Method: The study sample consisted of 9th to 12th grade students from three public high-schools in Istanbul, Turkey (n=201). Participants were required to complete a comprehensive questionnaire which gathered information about various domains including problematic screen use, attitudes towards online education, and mental/academic well-being during the lockdown period. Results: The overall screen time exhibited a significant increase during the lockdown, with the most common discretionary screen activities being social media use, communication, and watching movies/series (p

Unpacking the relation between children's use of digital technologies and children's well-being: A scoping review

Over the last decade, a substantial number of studies have addressed children's use of technologies and their impact on well-being. Nonetheless, there is still a lack of clarity on the operationalisation of technology use, well-being, and the relation between the two. This scoping review intended to shed lights on Digital Technologies Use, its operationalisation, and the relation between Digital Technologies Negative Use (DTNU) and children's well-being. For the scope of the special issue we focused on negative use. Results showed two conceptualisations of DTNU: compulsive/addictive use of devices and the Internet (e.g., Internet addiction) and negative online experiences/risky behaviours (e.g., cyberbullying). Well-being in relation to DTNU was mainly studied in terms of psycho/social dimensions (e.g., depression), and a gap in cognitive well-being studies was identified. Study designs were largely quantitative, and, in most studies, well-being was considered as a predictor of DTNU. Also, research with children under 12 years was lacking. Future research on DTNU should look at: how dimensions of addiction and negative online experiences relate; provide more evidence on cognitive well-being; explore the interplay of well-being multiple components relying on integrative conceptual frameworks. The recent notion of digital well-being should also be explored considering the results of this review.

Prevalence of text neck posture, smartphone addiction, and its association with neck disorders among university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic

The smartphone emerges as an inevitable gadget in modern society and its increased usage results in neck disorders among its users. However, the factors associated with neck disorders among smartphone users are ambiguous and less explored in the literature. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of text neck posture, smartphone addiction/overuse, and its association with neck disorders among university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 313 university students who were aged 18 years and older, owned a smartphone, and used it during the preceding 12 months participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding the prevalence of text neck posture, smartphone addiction/overuse, neck disorders, and the level of physical activity. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between the prevalence of neck disorders and text neck posture, smartphone addiction/overuse, and level of physical activity. The 12 months prevalence of neck disorders due to smartphone use among the participants was found to be 46%. The neck disorders were more prevalent among participants who reported text neck posture (P < 0.001) and categorized as smartphone-addicted/overuse (P < 0.001). Measures to promote the awareness of healthy use of smartphones including postural education and to decrease its screen time are warranted to reduce neck disorders.

The Relationship between Emotion Regulation (ER) and Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

Emotion Dysregulation (ED) and Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) are two rising global issues requiring further understanding on how they are linked. This paper aims to summarize the evidence pertaining to this relationship. Five databases were systematically searched for published literature from inception until 29 March 2021 using appropriate search strategies. Each study was screened for eligibility based on the set criteria, assessed for its quality and its level of evidence was determined. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software program (CMA) was employed to run further analyses of the data. Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review. Nine studies with extractable data for meta-analysis had high across-studies heterogeneity, hence subgroup analyses were performed that confirmed a significant moderate positive correlation between ED and PSU (pooled correlation coefficient, r = 0.416 (four studies, n = 1462) and r = 0.42 (three studies, n = 899), respectively) and a weak positive correlation between "expressive suppression" and PSU (pooled correlation coefficient, r = 0.14 (two studies, n = 608)). Meta-regression analysis showed a stronger correlation between ED and PSU (R2 = 1.0, p = 0.0006) in the younger age group. Further studies to establish and explore the mechanisms that contribute towards the positive link between ED and PSU are required to guide in the planning of targeted interventions in addressing both issues.

Prevalence of Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Association with Smartphone Addiction and Smartphone Usage among University Students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their association with smartphone addiction and smartphone usage among university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 313 university students aged 18 years and older who owned a smartphone and used it during the preceding 12 months participated in this cross-sectional study. The prevalence of upper limb MSDs, smartphone addiction/overuse, and levels of physical activity were recorded using the standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, the smartphone addiction scale (short version), and the international physical activity questionnaire (short form), respectively. Data collection was performed on campus between March and May 2021. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between the prevalence of upper limb MSDs and smartphone addiction/overuse and levels of physical activity. The 12-month prevalence of MSDs of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist/hand regions due to smartphone use among participants was found to be 20.13%, 5.11%, and 13.42%, respectively. Shoulder (odds ratio (OR) = 11.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.64−27.94, p < 0.001), elbow (OR = 15.38, 95% CI = 1.92−123.26, p = 0.01), and wrist/hand MSDs (OR = 7.65, 95% CI = 2.75−21.22, p < 0.001) were more prevalent among participants who were categorized as having smartphone addiction/overuse measures. Promoting awareness about the healthy use of smartphones, including postural education and decreasing screen time, is necessary to reduce smartphone-related MSDs.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Mobile Phone Addiction in College Students: The Chain Mediation Effect of Psychological Resilience and Perceived Stress

Smartphones have become an integral part of people's daily lives. While bringing convenience, mobile phone addiction caused by overuse of smart phones has become a common phenomenon among college students. The current study aimed to examine the serial mediating role of psychological resilience and perceived stress between physical exercise and mobile phone addiction of college students. Using the PARS-3 scale, CD-RISC-10 scale, PSS-10 scale, and MPA scale, 257 college students were investigated and Structural Equation Model (SEM) was conducted. The results show that: (1) Physical exercise has no significant direct impact on mobile phone addiction. (2) Psychological resilience has a significant mediating effect between physical exercise and mobile phone addiction. But perceived stress does not. (3) Psychological resilience and perceived stress play a chain mediation role. Physical exercise can enhance psychological resilience firstly, thus relieving perceived stress and eventually mitigating mobile phone addiction.

Psychological Morbidities Associated With Excessive Usage of Smartphones Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Review

Adolescents and young adults have progressively become smartphone and internet-dependent. Its addiction is affecting them mentally and physically. Due to its overutilization, it is causing a detrimental effect on them. These dilemmas need to be acknowledged. Furthermore, the goal is to reduce overutilization and overreliance, and the task is to reduce the heavy toll on their mental and psychological condition. We need to review the evidence linking smartphone and social media use with psychological morbidities among adolescents and young adults. The aim of this study is to summarize the present situation and the correlation between smartphones and mental health. Cognitive, emotional difficulties, poor cognitive function, impulsivity, shyness, social networking addiction, low self-esteem, and some medical issues like insomnia, anxiety, depression, and a lack of cognitive control have been linked to excessive smartphone use.

Smartphone Usage Patterns and Dietary Risk Factors in Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Whereas earlier studies have shown that traditional screen time such as TV watching influences dietary behaviors in adolescents, little is known about the effects of modern screen time such as smartphone use.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the associations of smartphone usage duration and content type with dietary risk factors among adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using a nationally representative sample of 54,601 middle- and high-school students (aged 12-18 y; 26,928 boys and 27,673 girls) in the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey 2017. Smartphone use (average duration and most frequently used content type) and dietary intakes [frequent breakfast skipping; less frequent intakes of fruits and vegetables; more frequent intakes of instant noodles, fast food, chips/crackers, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)] were self-reported via an online-based questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate ORs and 95% CIs for the associations of smartphone usage duration and content type with prevalence of dietary risk factors, adjusting for potential confounders. All analyses accounted for complex survey sampling.

RESULTS

Prolonged smartphone use (≥300 compared with 1-59 min/d) was associated with (OR; 95% CI) higher prevalence of frequent breakfast skipping (1.60; 1.45, 1.76); frequent intakes of instant noodles (1.65; 1.47, 1.84), fast food (1.36; 1.20, 1.53), and SSBs (1.92; 1.75, 2.11); and less frequent intakes of fruits (1.44; 1.30, 1.59) and vegetables (1.32; 1.18, 1.47). Adjusting for usage duration, using smartphones mainly for messenger/e-mail, social networking service (SNS)/forum, and games were associated with less frequent intakes of fruits (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.31; OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.40; and OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.32, respectively) and vegetables (OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.37; OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.40; and OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.40, respectively) than was using smartphones for education/information search. Using smartphones mainly for messenger/e-mail (OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.35) and SNS/forum (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.29) were also associated with more frequent intake of SSBs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that both duration and content type of smartphone use are independently associated with dietary risk factors among adolescents.

The Relationship between Cellphone Usage on the Physical and Mental Wellbeing of University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: The study aims to examine the use of cell phones on physical and mental health status and their impact on personality among university students. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. The association of physical and mental health variables with the demographic variables was examined using Pearson’s correlation and χ2-test. The binary logistic regression model was further used to predict the probabilities of negative impact on personality due to excessive use of cell phones. (3) Results: A total of 400 participants participated with a mean age of 24.45 ± 3.45 years. The average eye strain was more in High cell phone users HCPU than in LCPU and that difference was significant p = 0.000. The average neck pain was more in (HCPU) than Low cell phone users (LCPU) and there was a significant difference between the two groups with p = 0.006. The average weight gain was more in HCPU than LCPU and that difference was significant p = 0.000. Considering back pain, back pain was found more in HCPU as compared to LCPU with a statistical difference at p = 0.027. Cell phone usage significantly correlated with eye strain (r = 0.577, p = 0.000), neck pain (r = 0.543, p = 0.000), back pain (r = 0.611, p = 0.000), weight gain (r = 0.423, p = 0.000), depression (r = 0.430, p = 0.000), loneliness (r = −0.276, p = 0.002), and mood disorder (r = 0.608, p = 0.000). Eye strain, neck pain, and back pain was observed more in HCPU than in LCPU. HCPU felt they gained more weight when compared to the respondents in the LCPU group. HCPU felt more changes in mood and feeling low when compared to the LCPU, while LCPU group felt more lonelier when compared to the HCPU group. (4) Conclusions: The study highlights a significant association between excess use of cell phones and negative effects on physical and mental health wellbeing. Based on the results, it is recommended that more physical activities and alternative to minimize cell phone usage should be planned for the students. Public health policy makers and stakeholder need to address the ill effects of excessive use of cell phones through novel policies., especially young students, and alternatives to reduce their cell phone activities.

The relationship between adolescent emotion dysregulation and problematic technology use: Systematic review of the empirical literature

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We aimed to systematically identify, evaluate and summarize the research on adolescent emotion dysregulation and problematic technology use. We critically appraise strengths and limitations and provide recommendations for future research.

METHODS

We followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and conducted a systematic review of published original reports on adolescent emotion dysregulation and problematic technology use published until March 1, 2022. A thorough search preceded the selection of studies matching prespecified criteria. Strengths and limitations of selected studies, regarding design and reporting, were identified based on current best practices.

RESULTS

39 studies met inclusion criteria. All of these studies provided on the relationship between adolescent emotion dysregulation and problematic technology use severity based on self-report data.

DISCUSSION

There was a positive correlation between adolescent emotion dysregulation and the severity of problematic technology use. Beyond this, other variables (such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, etc.) were also closely related to emotion dysregulation and problematic technology use. Such studies are of importance to better understand cause-effect relations regarding both variables.

Parent-adolescent relationships, peer relationships, and adolescent mobile phone addiction: The mediating role of psychological needs satisfaction

INTRODUCTION

Prior studies have shown that parent-adolescent relationships and peer relationships may be important factors associated with adolescent mobile phone addiction (MPA). The present study aims to further explore the direct effects of parent-adolescent and peer relationships on adolescent MPA as well as the indirect effects through the mediating roles of autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs satisfaction.

METHODS

Our sample consisted of 1766 Chinese adolescents (53.10% male; M_age = 13.33, SD = 1.94, range from 10 to 18 years) who completed questionnaires regarding parent-adolescent relationships, peer relationships, psychological needs satisfaction, and MPA. SPSS 24.0 was used to analyze correlations among variables and Mplus 7.4 was used to test the structural equation model in this study.

RESULTS

(1) positive parent-adolescent relationships were negatively associated with adolescent MPA, while peer relationships did not show a significant association with MPA; (2) autonomy and competence needs satisfaction significantly mediated the effects of parent-adolescent and peer relationships on MPA, while the mediating role of relatedness need satisfaction between parent-adolescent and peer relationships and MPA was not significant; (3) the mediating effect of competence need satisfaction between peer relationships and MPA was significantly stronger than that between parent-adolescent relationships and MPA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study explored the different mechanisms by which parent-adolescent and peer relationships influence adolescent MPA. These discoveries may contribute to intervention and prevention programs for adolescent MPA.

Prospective Association Between Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Eating Disorder Symptoms and the Mediating Effect of Resilience in Chinese College Students: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study

A previous cross-sectional study found that problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) was associated with students' eating disorder symptoms. However, since the cross-sectional study cannot infer the causality and the direction of effect, the longitudinal relationship between the two and the mechanism behind this relationship are unclear. Therefore, the present study explores the prospective association between PMPU and eating disorder symptoms and related mediation mechanisms using a 1-year longitudinal study of 1,181 college students (from December 2019 [T1] to December 2020 [T2]). Survey tools used include the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale, the 10-item Connor-Davidson resilience scale, and the 12 item Short Form of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. The longitudinal relationship between PMPU and eating disorder symptoms and the mediating effect of resilience was analyzed using a cross-lagged model. The results showed that PMPU (β = 0.086, P < 0.01) and resilience (β = -0.145, P < 0.01) at T1 predicted eating disorder symptoms at T2, but not vice versa. PMPU was bidirectionally associated with resilience, and the prediction effect of PMPU at T1 to resilience at T2 (β = -0.151, P < 0.001) was higher than the prediction effect of resilience at T1 to PMPU at T2 (β = -0.134, P < 0.001). The standardized indirect effect of PMPU at T1 on eating disorder symptoms at T2 via resilience was significant (β = 0.022, 95% CI = 0.010~0.040, P < 0.001). Therefore, PMPU and resilience were predictive for eating disorder symptoms in college students, and resilience may play a mediating role in the prospective association between PMPU and eating disorder symptoms. This study provides new ideas and higher-level evidence for the development of prevention and intervention measures for college students' eating disorder symptoms.

Food Addiction and Emotional Eating Behaviors Co-Occurring with Problematic Smartphone Use in Adolescents?

Addiction in adolescence is increasing and has a significant impact on physical and mental health. Notably, addictions can be comorbid and affect each other. Despite the recent growing interest in food addiction (FA) and problematic smartphone use (PSU), few studies have investigated their association in adolescents. We investigated the relationship between FA and PSU in adolescents and the effects of eating behaviors. A total of 209 adolescents (44.5% male; mean age = 12.86 ± 0.7 years) participated in the current school-based community study. We found a positive correlation between the dimensional Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0 (dYFAS-C2.0) and the Smartphone Overdependence Scale after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and socioeconomic status. The high-risk PSU group accounted for 17.2% of participants. Furthermore, this group showed 2.3 times higher dYFAS-C2.0 scores than the general group. Emotional overeating and satiety responsiveness were correlated with PSU. A comprehensive evaluation of addiction symptoms is needed for proper intervention, especially in adolescents with symptoms of abnormal eating behaviors.

Age, gender, peers, life skills and quality of life influence risk of cell phone addiction among college teachers in Karnataka, India : a state level epidemiological analysis

BACKGROUND

Cell phones are an integral part of modern day life and have become companions for individuals irrespective of age, gender and socio-economic status. In this study, we assessed the factors affecting risk of cell phone addiction among teachers attending Life Skills Training and Counselling Services (LSTCS) program in Karnataka.

METHODS

This cross sectional secondary data analysis utilised data from baseline assessment of trainees attending a Life Skills Training and Counselling Services program (LSTCP). Various factors hypothesised to be affecting risk of cell phone addiction (outcome) was analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. All the analysis was done using STATA 12.0 software.

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted with risk of cell phone addiction as outcome. A conceptual framework of hypothesized exposure variables was developed based on expert consultation and literature review. Overall, data of 1981 participants was utilized. Gender (AOR=1.91; 95% CI=1.27-2.77), number of peers (AOR=1.01; 95 CI=1-1.008) and social quality of life (AOR=1.01; 95% CI=1.00-1.03) were associated with increased risk of cell phone addiction. Age (AOR=0.98; 95%CI=0.96-1.00), empathy (AOR=0.96;95%;CI=0.93-0.99), communication skills(AOR=0.92, 95%;CI=0.88-0.96) and physical quality of life (AOR=0.96; 95% CI=0.95-0.98) were associated with reduced risk of cell phone addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

This study on precursors of risk of cell phone addiction, conducted mostly among apparently healthy individuals, provide important insights into interventions to reduce risk of cell phone addiction. The complexity of associations between peers, gender, quality of life and risk of cell phone addiction needs further exploration.

Associations Between Uncertainty Stress, Life Stress and Internet Addiction Among Medical Students

OBJECTIVES

Internet Addiction (IA) is a growing issue predominate in adolescents and young adults. Although the effects of diverse stressors on IA have been highlighted, there is little consensus about the specific underpinnings of IA. The current study aims to investigate associations between uncertainty stress, life stress and IA among Chinese university medical students.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey employing multi-stage sampling was used. Data were collected from 6,061 students from 27 university medical programs across China. Associations between uncertainty stress, life stress, and IA were examined by means of multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The findings indicated that the overall IA prevalence was 12.6% (95% CI 11.7-13.5), life stress prevalence was 8.1% (95% CI 7.4-8.8), and uncertainty stress prevalence was 19.1% (95% CI 18.1-20.1). Multivariate logistic regression showed that uncertainty stress [adjusted OR 2.60 (95% CI 2.14-3.15), P < 0.001] and life stress [adjusted OR 1.71 (95% CI 1.32-2.23), P < 0.001] were positively associated with IA. Population Attributable Risk (PAR) of uncertainty stress associated with IA was 29%, and that of life stress was 15%.

CONCLUSIONS

The contribution of uncertainty stress to IA is significantly higher than that of life stress. High uncertainty stress, being male and born in a region of higher economic status were associated with excessive Internet use and IA.

The Association of Smartphone Usage Duration with Physical Fitness among Chinese University Students

BACKGROUND

The use of smartphones has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, especially among the youth. However, smartphone overuse has been reported to be related to several negative mental and physical health outcomes. Although the association between smartphone use and physical fitness has been investigated in several studies, these studies only focused on specific elements of physical fitness, such as grip strength. In addition, evidence on young adults is limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine the association between the duration of smartphone use and physical fitness among Chinese university students.

METHODS

A total of 11,242 university students volunteered to participate in the study. The duration of smartphone use was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Physical fitness tests consisted of a 50-m sprint and vital capacity tests for both sexes, a 1000-m run and pull-up test for male students, and an 800-m run and sit-up test for female students.

RESULTS

The duration of smartphone use among the participants was 5.4 h/day for male students and 6.1 h/day for female students on average. After adjusting for confounding factors, in male students, a long duration of smartphone use was significantly associated with a slow 50 m sprint and 1000 m run time, lower pull-up times, and poor vital capacity (p = 0.004, 0.002, 0.002 and 0.040, respectively). In female students, a long duration of smartphone use was associated with a slow 800 m run time (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study found that longer duration of smartphone use was associated with lower physical fitness among Chinese university students. The duration of smartphone use may be an influencing factor for physical fitness.

Increasing Prevalence of Pediatric Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components among Arab Youth: A Time-Series Study from 2010-2019

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic disorders, mostly studied in adults with certain ethnic groups, such as Arabs with higher predisposition and heritability. In this time-series study, we tried to determine the prevalence of MetS in the Arabic pediatric population from 2010–2019 to gauge the need to intervene in the younger population. Methods: A total of 7985 Saudi school children aged 12–18 coming from different sets of cohorts in different timepoints were included in this time-series studies (Year 2010, n = 2081, 877 boys and 1204 girls; Year 2015, n = 3360, 1625 boys and 1735 girls, Year 2019, n = 2544, 956 boys and 1588 girls). Anthropometrics were measured as well as fasting blood samples for the assessment of lipids and glucose. Screening for MetS was conducted using the pediatric definition obtained from the 2004 definition of de Ferranti et al. Results: In 2010, the prevalence of MetS was 11.8%, which increased sharply to 20.1% in 2015 and again in 2019 to 20.6%. Stratified according to sex, the increased prevalence of MetS was more evident in boys with only 7.8% in 2010 jumping to 25.3% in 2019. In girls, the increase in prevalence was modest with 14.8% in 2010 to 17.7% in 2019. In both boys and girls, the highest increase in prevalence among MetS components was observed to be low HDL-cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, and central obesity, respectively. Conclusions: The alarming increase in pediatric MetS among Arab children and adolescents over a short timespan have significant clinical and economic implications if not addressed immediately. Health policy makers should implement lifestyle interventions aimed at high-risk children or overweight youths.

Current Assessment of Weight, Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors among Middle and High School Students in Shanghai, China-A 2019 Cross-Sectional Study

Poor nutrition or insufficient physical activity (PA) are risk factors for obesity and chronic diseases. This 2019 cross-sectional study from the school health survey examined the dietary and PA behaviors of Chinese adolescents. A total of 12,860 adolescents aged 11–18 participated through multistage and stratified cluster random sampling. A questionnaire collected data on weight, PA, sedentary lifestyle, and eating habits. Unhealthy behaviors were identified and summed up for each behavior. Participants were then classified into high and low amounts of risk behaviors. Weight status was defined using Body Mass Index (BMI) cutoff points for Chinese individuals aged 6–18. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess effects of lifestyle behaviors on weight status. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 22.3% among all participants (30.6% in boys, 13.2% in girls). Females engaged in more risk physical activities (4.12 vs. 3.80, p < 0.05), while males engaged in more risk dietary activities (2.20 vs. 2.02, p < 0.05). Higher number of risk dietary, PA, and sedentary behaviors were all significantly correlated with higher BMI (dietary: r = 0.064; PA: r = 0.099; sedentary: r = 0.161; p < 0.001 for all) and body weight (dietary: r = 0.124; PA: r = 0.128; sedentary: r = 0.222; p < 0.001 for all). Risk sedentary behaviors was a significant risk factor for overweight/obesity (Adjusted Odds Ratio AOR = 1.30, 95% Confidence Interval CI 1.11–1.52). Obesity and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors remain a concern among Chinese adolescents. These results provide an update on the factors contributing to overweight/obesity among adolescents and call for efforts to address obesity among adolescents.

A narrative review of reward sensitivity, rash impulsivity, and food addiction in adolescents

Adolescence represents a neurodevelopmental period characterised by heightened reward drive and weaker inhibitory control that may increase vulnerability to compulsive overconsumption of highly-palatable foods and food addiction. This narrative review aimed to summarise research investigating the presence of food addiction in adolescents and establish the role that impulsivity traits (i.e., reward sensitivity and rash impulsivity), previously linked to substance and behavioural addictions, play in contributing to food addiction in this cohort. It was found that the prevalence of food addiction was typically higher in studies that recruited adolescents who were overweight/obese or from clinical populations. Overall, impulsivity was found to be more consistently associated with food addiction, while the relationships between measures of reward sensitivity and food addiction were mixed. Findings of this review suggest trait impulsivity may contribute to food addiction in adolescents, however, further longitudinal and prospective research is recommended to confirm these findings and to investigate the potential interactive effects of reward sensitivity and rash impulsivity.

Food addiction and mental health in adolescents: a systematic review

The intersection between eating behaviours and mental health has garnered substantial attention in recent years. For this Review, we systematically reviewed the available research to find out the prevalence of food addiction as measured by the Yale Food Addiction Scale, and to investigate its association with mental health-related outcomes in adolescents. Eight databases were searched using keywords from Jan 1, 2009, to Aug 5, 2020, to identify studies reporting a Yale Food Addiction Scale diagnosis or symptom score, or both. In total, 27 studies were included. The prevalence of a food addiction diagnosis ranged from 2·6% to 49·9% in non-clinical and clinical populations, and prevalence was higher in women and adolescents with a higher weight status. Food addiction was associated with disordered eating, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and a poorer quality of life and self-esteem. These associations have important implications for the assessment and management of eating behaviours and mental health in adolescents. Transdiagnostic prevention and management intervention strategies could be explored.

Prevalence of food addiction in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Food addiction (FA) has been as a construct that is associated with childhood obesity. However, relatively little is known regarding the prevalence of FA among children and adolescents. An instrument designed to assess FA among youth, the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children and Adolescents (YFAS-C), has been developed and used to estimate FA prevalence among pediatric populations. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the results of FA prevalence among youth. Using keywords related to FA and children to search PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, we identified and analyzed 22 cross-sectional studies. No longitudinal studies were identified in the search. Meta-analysis with Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine transformation was conducted to estimate FA prevalence. Meta-regression was applied to understand whether weight status (i.e., data from community samples vs. overweight/obese samples) is associated with FA. Eligible studies (N = 22) were analyzed using 6,996 participants. The estimated FA prevalence was 15% (95% CI 11-19%) for all samples, 12% (95% CI 8-17%) for community samples, and 19% (95% CI 14-26%) for overweight/obese samples. Meta-regression indicated that weight status was associated with FA severity (p = 0.002) and marginally with FA prevalence (p = 0.056). Healthcare providers should consider and address the high FA prevalence among pediatric population.

Excessive Smartphone Use Is Associated With Health Problems in Adolescents and Young Adults

Background and Aims: This present paper will review the existing evidence on the effects of excessive smartphone use on physical and mental health. Results: Comorbidity with depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD and alcohol use disorder. Excessive smartphone use is associated with difficulties in cognitive-emotion regulation, impulsivity, impaired cognitive function, addiction to social networking, shyness and low self-esteem. Medical problems include sleep problems, reduced physical fitness, unhealthy eating habits, pain and migraines, reduced cognitive control and changes in the brain's gray matter volume. In Conclusion: Excessive smartphone use is associated with psychiatric, cognitive, emotional, medical and brain changes that should be considered by health and education professionals.

Emerging Health and Education Issues Related to Internet Technologies and Addictive Problems

This timely editorial paper outlines some of the main emerging research on technological topics on health and education approaches to Internet use-related problems before and during the beginning of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Background: The aim is to provide a brief overview to facilitate a rapid comprehensive and practical approach to these new trends to promote research, interventions, education, and prevention. Methods: The rapid review includes an analysis of both health and education technologies studies on Internet use-related addiction problems included in the Special Issue “Internet and Smartphone Use-Related Addiction Health Problems: Treatment, Education and Research” to extract recent findings and a few reflections about the development of the field before and during the first wave of the COVID-19. Results: Main findings highlighted studies which tended to be empirical, with a relational type associating specific addictive problems with individual and a few contextual factors in adult populations. Psychometric studies about scales are prevalent, but predictive and mixed methods ones are starting to emerge, together with reviews about conceptualisation, measure, treatment, and prevention. Conclusions: From the arrival of Internet, our societies have converged in a global culture which has impacted health and educational domains. Internet use-related addiction problems have globally emerged and common knowledge, advances, and strategies exist to overcome challenges which are starting to be tested, and prevention interest has arisen in a pandemic situation with global health problems holistically tackled.

The Association Between Smartphone Addiction and Sleep: A UK Cross-Sectional Study of Young Adults

Background: In a large UK study we investigated the relationship between smartphone addiction and sleep quality in a young adult population. Methods: We undertook a large UK cross-sectional observational study of 1,043 participants aged 18 to 30 between January 21st and February 30th 2019. Participants completed the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version, an adapted Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Score Index and reported smartphone use reduction strategies using both in-person (n = 968) and online (n = 75) questionnaires. A crude and adjusted logistic regression was fitted to assess risk factors for smartphone addiction, and the association between smartphone addiction and poor sleep. Results: One thousand seventy one questionnaires were returned, of which 1,043 participants were included, with median age 21.1 [interquartile range (IQR) 19-22]. Seven hundred and sixty three (73.2%) were female, and 406 reported smartphone addiction (38.9%). A large proportion of participants disclosed poor sleep (61.6%), and in those with smartphone addiction, 68.7% had poor sleep quality, compared to 57.1% of those without. Smartphone addiction was associated with poor sleep (aOR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.06-1.87, p = 0.018). Conclusions: Using a validated instrument, 39% young adults reported smartphone addiction. Smartphone addiction was associated with poor sleep, independent of duration of usage, indicating that length of time should not be used as a proxy for harmful usage.

Using Smartphones When Eating Increases Caloric Intake in Young People: An Overview of the Literature

Recent literature highlights that the use of smartphones during meals increases the number of calories ingested in young people. Although the distraction interferes with physiological signals of hunger and satiety, a social facilitation effect has also been suggested. Cognition is a pivotal component in regulating food intake, and activities requiring high perceptual demands should be discouraged during meals.

Examining the Relationship between Cellphone Use Behavior, Perceived Exercise Benefit and Physical Exercise Level Among University Students in Taiwan

This study investigated how perceived exercise benefit affects the relationship between cellphone usage and physical activity level. This cross-sectional study performed a survey of Taiwanese university students selected using cluster sampling. A total of 975 students were recruited (male = 367, female = 608, average age = 20.10 ± 1.42). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression. The results show that cellphone usage was negatively correlated with physical activity level, whereas perceived exercise benefit was negatively correlated with cellphone usage and positively correlated with physical activity level. In hierarchical regression, the main effects of cellphone usage and perceived exercise benefit explained 22% of the variance in physical activity level. After controlling for the main effect, the interaction term accounted for an additional 1% of the variance. Cellphone usage and perceived exercise benefit thus had significant power to explain physical activity level. The results of this study reveal a novel phenomenon—that students who perceived the benefits of exercise to be greater are more physically active.

Smartphone addiction and its complications related to health and daily activities among university students in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter study

Aim:

The aims of this study were to study the prevalence of smartphones addiction among college and university students in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and to determine the risk factors and complications associated with smartphone addiction.

Method:

This study was conducted in all provinces of KSA from December 2015 to June 2016 by sending questionnaire to student clubs of various universities through Survey Monkey. Questionnaire included (1) sociodemographics, (2) smartphone usage patterns and addiction behavior, (3) impact of smartphone usage on driving and medical complications, and (4) smartphone addiction scale.

Result:

The total number of participants was 1941 (response rate 80.9%) students representing most of the provinces of Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of smartphones addiction was 19.1%. Female participants were more addicted than male participants (P < 0.001). Smartphone addition was also significantly associated with musculoskeletal complication, upper limb, eyes and sleep complications.

Conclusion:

High frequent usage with prolonged duration of smartphone was associated with high risk to addiction. Furthermore, smartphone addiction had significant impact on performing daily activities, sleeping disorder, and health problems. Awareness about harm of smartphones addiction is required to provide to students and parents as well. Smartphones should not be given at younger age and it only be given when a child can differentiate its healthy and productive use from addiction.