Study of Smartphone Addiction and Its Predictors among Medical College Students in Puducherry, South India

Abstract

Smartphones are mobile phones with advanced features over and above those of basic phones. Smart phone addiction has been an emerging problem in modern era. But the existing knowledge about excessive use of smartphone still remains insufficient. The objective was to determine the prevalence of smartphone addiction, its predictors and details on smartphone use among medical college students in Puducherry, South India . A cross sectional study involved 253 second and third year medical college students in a Government medical college in Puducherry, South India was carried out. Data were collected using a validated, pretested, structured, and self-administered questionnaire. Appropriate statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation were performed for demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine demographic and health-related predictors of smartphone addiction. In this present study, the prevalence of smartphone addiction among medical students was 54.2%. Addiction to smart phone had influenced various effects on health such as physical, psychological and social effects. Independent factors such as usage of smart phone for more than two hours, avoiding daily tasks and duties, not being punctual in day-to-day activities were significantly associated with smart phone addiction. To conclude Smart phone as a self-learning tool is essential. But overuse results in addiction. Increased awareness and standardized measures for identification of smart phone addiction and appropriate intervention for those in need of help might alleviate this problem