Smartphone Addiction among Syrian Medical Students

Abstract

Abstract Background Smartphone use has increased and has become an essential part of daily life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of smartphone addiction among medical students in Syria, investigate its potential effects on insomnia and sub-health. Methods This study was conducted in Syria from October 6th to November 12th, 2022. We included Syrian medical students across all Syrian medical colleges. The survey consisted of four questions, sociodemographic information, insomnia scale, Sub health status questionnaire (SHSQ-25), and Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 28.0. Results A total of 1437 participants completed the survey, and their mean age was 21.4 (SD = 1.8). Our analysis identified the prevalence of smartphone addiction, insomnia, and subhealth among medical students as 62.5%, 23.7%, and 28.4%, respectively. The mean hours number of smartphones used daily was (6±2.8). About half of the respondents use their phones for more than six hours a day (50.2%), and over half of the participants (52.8%) consider themselves addicted to their smartphones. Among students diagnosed with smartphone addiction, 43.2% reported using their phones for more than six hours daily, and 41.1% perceived themselves as smartphone addictive. Students residing in the city's outskirts exhibit a higher likelihood of addiction than their urban counterparts (OR = 1.5, P value < 0.05). Furthermore, individuals who avoid using their smartphones before bedtime exhibit a lower propensity towards developing smartphone addiction than those who do (OR = 2.7, P value < 0.05). As well, we defined a significant inverse correlation between the smartphone addiction score and the SHS (r2= -0.114, P value< 0.001). Conclusions We indicate that smartphone addiction negatively affects the sleep quality and subhealth of medical students, particularly among those who use their smartphones before sleeping and those who consider themselves smartphone addicts. Key messages • We indicate that smartphone addiction has detrimental impacts on the quality of sleep and subhealth of medical students, particularly those who use their smartphones before sleeping. • It is suggested that medical institutions conduct educational initiatives regarding the negative consequences of smartphone addiction, including its potential long-term impact on mental health.