Abstract
BackgroundCell 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.MethodsThis 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.ResultsMultivariable 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.ConclusionsThis 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.
Highlights
Cell phones are an integral part of modern day life and have become companions for individuals irrespective of age, gender and socio-economic status
This study aims to address the issue of risk of cell phone addiction among college teachers attending Life Skills training and Counselling Services program (LSTCP) in Karnataka, India
Gender (p =0.001), education (p =0.039) and marital status (p =0.002) of participants was associated with risk of cell phone addiction (Table 1)
Summary
Cell phones are an integral part of modern day life and have become companions for individuals irrespective of age, gender and socio-economic status. Cell phones are an integral part of modern day life. As on 2019, there were about 1161.17 million cell phone users in India [2]. Cell phones are known to affect individuals overall health [3]. They are associated with sleep deprivation [4], inappropriate food habits [5], Pradeep et al BMC Public Health (2022) 22:180 physical inactivity, over weight and obesity [6]. In India, the magnitude of cell phone addiction among adolescents range from 39 to 44% [10]. Cell phone use is attributed to loneliness, fatigue and stresses [11] and is a known precursor of consequent mental health problems [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
