A study to determine smartphone addiction among nursing students at a private healthcare university college in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: In the era of advancement of digital technology, individuals are empowering to take control of their future. Despite smartphone usage's advantages and positive impact, the unlimited usage of smartphones for social needs and communications leads to smartphone addiction. Smart addiction is considered a form of technological addiction. This study aims to determine the level of smartphone addiction among nursing students at Private Healthcare University College. Method: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design using convenient sampling. A self-administered Smartphone Addiction Scale questionnaire with close-ended items of questions were distributed to 159 selected diploma nursing students. Results: The study results show high smartphone addiction 126 (58.95%) among nursing students of Private Healthcare University College. Besides, the nursing students spent excessive time on a smartphone, particularly on social networks. However, there was no significant relationship found between smartphone addiction and selected sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusion: This study has provided an initial insight into smartphone usage among nursing students at Private Healthcare University College and suggest that they are more vulnerable to smartphone addiction. Therefore, university management, parents, and students themselves need to take the initiative to free them from smartphone addiction. KEY WORDS: Smartphone Usage, Smartphone Addiction, Unlimited Usage, Nursing Students.