Smartphone addiction and health promotion lifestyle in university students: a cross-sectional analytical study.

Background: Smartphone usage has rapidly increased among young adults, particularly medical students, raising concerns about smartphone addiction and its potential adverse effects on sleep quality. Poor sleep has significant implications for academic performance, psychological well-being, and long-term health outcomes. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality among undergraduate medical students and to analyze the correlation between the two. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 MBBS students in a tertiary care medical college over three months. Smartphone addiction was assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV), and sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Demographic details and daily smartphone usage were also recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 42.4%, with higher rates in males (48.5%) compared to females (37.6%) (p = 0.03). Poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) was observed in 61.2% of students. Poor sleep was more common among students with smartphone addiction (79.2%) compared to those without addiction (47.9%) (p < 0.001). A significant dose–response relationship was observed between hours of smartphone use and poor sleep, with prevalence rising from 38.4% in students using smartphones less than 3 hours per day to 82.3% in those using more than 5 hours (p < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation showed a significant positive relationship between smartphone addiction scores and sleep disturbance scores (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality are highly prevalent among undergraduate medical students and show a strong positive correlation. Male students and those with higher daily smartphone usage were more vulnerable. The findings underscore the urgent need for awareness programs, counseling, and digital wellness initiatives to promote healthier technology use and sleep hygiene in medical undergraduates.

Associations of smartphone addiction, chronotype, sleep quality, and risk of eating disorders among university students: A cross-sectional study from Sharjah/United Arab Emirates

Aims:The study aims to assess the prevalence of smartphone addiction and its effects on sleep quality among medical students.Study Setting and Design:A cross-sectional study was carried out by convenience sampling of medical students at a tertiary care hospital in South India.Materials and Methods:Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision axis I disorders research version was used for screening past and current psychiatric illness. A semi-structured pro forma was used to obtain demographic details. Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version was used to assess smartphone addiction in the participants. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh's Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).Results:Among 150 medical students, 67 (44.7%) were addicted to smartphone usage. Despite the preponderance of male students (31 [50%]) being addicted, there was no statistically significant gender difference in smartphone addiction (P = 0.270). The PSQI revealed poor sleep quality in 77 (51.3%) which amounts to half of the participants. Smartphone addiction was found to be statistically significantly associated with poor sleep quality (odds ratio: 2.34 with P < 0.046).Conclusions:The prevalence of smartphone addiction among younger population is higher compared to those of contemporary studies. No gender difference in smartphone addiction could be made out in the current study. Smartphone addiction was found to be associated with poor sleep quality. The findings support screening for smartphone addiction which will be helpful in early identification and prompt management.

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

This study investigated the relationship between smartphone addiction and sleep quality among college students, focusing on the parallel mediating roles of perceived stress and health-promoting lifestyle. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2025 among 2,317 students from Xuzhou Medical University using an online questionnaire. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 21.0. The study used the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical methods included normality tests, descriptive statistics, and mediation analysis. A prevalence rate of 51.9% for sleep disorders was identified among the university student population. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality (r = 0.259, p < 0.01). Additionally, perceived stress (r = 0.408, p < 0.01) and health-promoting lifestyle (r = -0.182, p < 0.01) were identified as parallel mediators in this relationship. Mediation analysis indicated a significant total effect of smartphone addiction (SAS-SV) on sleep quality (PSQI) (path c = 0.0863, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.0730, 0.0995). Furthermore, a significant direct effect of SAS-SV on PSQI was noted (path c' = 0.0325, 95% CI = 0.0188, 0.0461). The health-promoting lifestyle (HPLP) (path a1b1 = 0.0128, 95% CI = 0.0086, 0.0176) and perceived stress (PSS) (path a2b2 = 0.0410, 95% CI = 0.0332, 0.0491) were found to partially mediate the relationship between SAS-SV and PSQI, accounting for 14.83% and 47.51% of the total effect, respectively. These findings highlight the dual mediating roles of perceived stress and health-promoting lifestyle in the association between smartphone addiction and sleep quality. Smartphone addiction negatively affects sleep quality, both directly and indirectly through increased perceived stress and reduced engagement in a health-promoting lifestyle. Interventions targeting stress management and healthy behaviors are recommended to mitigate these effects.

Background:Excessive screen time, particularly using smartphones, is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness among young adults. This study investigates the association between smartphone addiction and sleep disturbances in university students.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 321 university students aged 18–35 from SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. Participants using digital screens ≥3 h/day for the past 3 months were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and smartphone addiction levels were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis.Results:Poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) was reported by 61.7% of participants, while 48.1% exhibited excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS >10). High smartphone usage (SAS-SV >40) was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (mean PSQI = 10.5, P < 0.01) and higher daytime sleepiness (mean ESS = 12.1, P < 0.01). A moderate positive correlation was observed between SAS-SV and PSQI scores (r = 0.60) and a weaker correlation with ESS scores (r = 0.45).Conclusion:Smartphone addiction is significantly associated with impaired sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness among young adults.

ObjectivesThis study investigated the relationship between smartphone addiction and sleep quality among college students, focusing on the parallel mediating roles of perceived stress and health-promoting lifestyle.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2025 among 2,317 students from Xuzhou Medical University using an online questionnaire. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 21.0. The study used the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical methods included normality tests, descriptive statistics, and mediation analysis.ResultsA prevalence rate of 51.9% for sleep disorders was identified among the university student population. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality (r = 0.259, p < 0.01). Additionally, perceived stress (r = 0.408, p < 0.01) and health-promoting lifestyle (r = −0.182, p < 0.01) were identified as parallel mediators in this relationship. Mediation analysis indicated a significant total effect of smartphone addiction (SAS-SV) on sleep quality (PSQI) (path c = 0.0863, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.0730, 0.0995). Furthermore, a significant direct effect of SAS-SV on PSQI was noted (path c′ = 0.0325, 95% CI = 0.0188, 0.0461). The health-promoting lifestyle (HPLP) (path a1b1 = 0.0128, 95% CI = 0.0086, 0.0176) and perceived stress (PSS) (path a2b2 = 0.0410, 95% CI = 0.0332, 0.0491) were found to partially mediate the relationship between SAS-SV and PSQI, accounting for 14.83% and 47.51% of the total effect, respectively. These findings highlight the dual mediating roles of perceived stress and health-promoting lifestyle in the association between smartphone addiction and sleep quality.ConclusionsSmartphone addiction negatively affects sleep quality, both directly and indirectly through increased perceived stress and reduced engagement in a health-promoting lifestyle. Interventions targeting stress management and healthy behaviors are recommended to mitigate these effects.

IntroductionStudies 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 methodsThe 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionThis 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.

BackgroundSmartphones have become an essential part of daily life, but excessive use can lead to significant issues. This study assesses smartphone addiction among college students, examining its impact on dietary behaviors and health-promoting lifestyles. The aim is to provide a basis for targeted interventions.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,002 students at Xuzhou Medical University in 2025 using a convenience sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 21.0. The study used the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II), and the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2). Statistical methods included normality tests, descriptive statistics, and mediation analysis.ResultsAmong the participants, medical students scored 34 (SAS), 74 (IES), and 134 (HPLP-II), while non-medical students scored 33.5 (SAS), 74 (IES), and 134 (HPLP-II). A negative correlation was observed between smartphone addiction and both intuitive eating (r = -0.174, p < 0.01) and health-promoting lifestyle (r = -0.074, p < 0.01). However, the effect sizes for these correlations are small, suggesting that, although statistically significant, the practical significance of these relationships may be limited. Intuitive eating mediated the relationship between smartphone addiction and health-promoting lifestyle (indirect effect = -0.1452, p < 0.001). Approximately 25.25% of participants reported feeling addicted to smartphones.ConclusionSmartphones have dual impacts on students’ eating behaviors and health. Excessive use is associated with disrupted eating patterns, while moderate use is associated with healthy behaviors that support well-being. It is crucial to educate students on balancing smartphone use with healthy habits is crucial. However, it is important to note that these findings, derived from a convenience sample at a single medical university, may not be fully generalizable to all college student populations. Future research with more diverse samples is needed to confirm these relationships.

Sexual Function and Problematic Use of Smartphones and Social Networking Sites

Anxiety symptoms are common among university students in China, posing challenges to mental health. Physical activity may reduce anxiety, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. This study examines how smartphone addiction acts as a mediator and sleep quality as a moderator in the relationship between physical activity and anxiety, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical strategies for mental health interventions. This cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2023 at Guangxi University. A stratified sampling method was used to approach 719 students from diverse physical education classes to distribute questionnaires, and 527 valid questionnaires were returned. Validated instruments included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Data analysis involved standardization, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, normality testing, mediation and moderation analyses, and Bootstrap validation. (1) Physical activity was negatively correlated with smartphone addiction (r = -0.13, p < 0.01). (2) Smartphone addiction was positively correlated with poor sleep quality (r = 0.40, p < 0.01) and anxiety (r = 0.43, p < 0.01). (3) Poor sleep quality and anxiety were significantly correlated (r = 0.57, p < 0.01). (4) A masking effect occurred as the non-significant positive direct effect (β = 0.062) was nearly canceled out by the mediation of smartphone addiction (β = -0.058), inducing total effect near-zero. (5) Sleep quality significantly influenced the link between smartphone addiction and anxiety, especially in those with poorer sleep, where the impact of smartphone addiction on anxiety was stronger (β = 0.061, p = 0.036). This study revealed a more complex relationship between physical activity and anxiety than initially hypothesized. Our findings further revealed the relationship between physical activity and university students' anxiety, and considered the mediating role of smartphone addiction between the two, as well as the moderating role of sleep quality in the relationship between mobile phone addiction and university students' anxiety.

This study investigates the relationship between academic achievement, psychological distress, and smartphone addiction in medical students. In total, 513 medical students voluntarily completed a survey that included the Personal Information Questionnaire, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Interaction Anxiousness Scale (IAS). Results showed that 321 participants were screened positive for smartphone addiction and the prevalence of smartphone addiction was 62.6%. We found that the prevalence of smartphone addiction was higher among male rather than female students (67.1% vs 58.2%; p = 0.039). There were significant differences between the smartphone addiction group and the smartphone non-addiction group as per the DASS-21 scores and the IAS scores. In addition, multiple regression indicated that psychological distress including anxiety, stress, depression, and social anxiety might be the predictors of smartphone addiction. However, smartphone addiction was found to have no significant correlation with academic performance in 274 undergraduate medical students. In conclusion, the study revealed the high prevalence of smartphone addiction in medical students. Smartphone addiction was associated with states of depression, anxiety, stress, and social anxiety, and there was no significant relationship between academic performance and smartphone addiction in undergraduate medical students. Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify the causal relationship between smartphone addiction and psychological distress.

Comparison of musculoskeletal pain and upper extremity disability in smartphone addicts and smartphone non-addicts among university students: A cross-sectional study

In recent years, dependence on smartphones is seen to be the rise. Despite its numerous communicative affordances, past research suggests potential adverse effects when smartphones are over-used. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the preva-lence of Smart Phone Addiction (SPA) as it connects to smartphone usage and associated fac-tors among An-Najah medical and health sciences students in Palestine. A cross-sectional de-sign and convenient sampling technique were used to select eligible students from different programs in the faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the An-Najah National Universi-ty. Three hundred sixty-seven students were recruited. The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) was used to explore the prevalence of SPA. The SPA prevalence was found to be 37.9% among medical and health sciences university students. In comparison to those in their fourth year or higher, prevalence among first-year students was highest (OR=0.17, p-value=0.022), representing a significant statistical difference. The daily duration of smartphone use in hours when compared with more than 4 hours and 2-4 hours revealed significant statistical differences with (OR=2.90, p-value=0.003). Other factors (age, gender, university program, cigarette smoking, study year, history of chronic diseases) had no statisti-cal differences when compared with the prevalence of SPA. The Prevalence of SPA was high when compared with other studies 37.9% among medical and health sciences university stu-dents globally. This high SPA was associated with first-year students and their use of smartphones (SP) for more than 4 hours. This study may shed some light on the prevalence of SPA and its relationship with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors in regions across Palestine.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between smartphone addiction, mental health and sleep quality among undergraduate pharmacy students in a Nigerian public university.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate pharmacy students in a Nigerian university. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, including Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short version, Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test and the Pearson correlation. Probability values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.FindingsA total of 410 undergraduate pharmacy students participated in the study, giving a response rate of 95.57%. The prevalence of smartphone addiction, depression and anxiety symptoms were 40.24%, 28.30% and 23.66%, respectively. Most students had poor sleep quality (96.10%). The prevalence of smartphone addiction had a moderate positive correlation with the severity of depression (r = 0.363, p < 0.01) and anxiety (r = 0.261, p < 0.01) symptoms. Nevertheless, smartphone addiction showed no connection with sleep quality (r = 0.022, p = 0.663).Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in a single public university in Nigeria, hence this might limit its generalizability. The provision of mental health support within universities could help address the high prevalence of smartphone addiction, mental health issues and poor sleep quality.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the first study to examine smartphone addiction among pharmacy students in a resource-limited setting with multicultural and multiethnic groups.