Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version Research Articles

Associations between Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Nomophobia: Mediated By Self-Control and Smartphone Addiction among University Students

The current study explored the association among the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, nomophobia (fear of being without a smartphone), smartphone addiction, and self-control among students at AJK University. It also examined how these factors vary across sociodemographic factors like cohort and gender identity. A sample of 300 students from various departments participated in the research. They completed questionnaires that included the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale (BPNSS), the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV), and the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NQ), comprising a total of 37 items. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). The analysis demonstrated a meaningful negative correlation between the fulfillment of fundamental psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and nomophobia. Moreover, a substantial positive association was proved between smartphone addiction and nomophobia, while self-control was positively linked to the fulfillment of fundamental psychological needs and negatively related to nomophobia. Gender and age differences were also observed. Female students reported a higher need for relatedness compared to male students, while nomophobia and smartphone addiction were more prevalent among students aged 18–22 than those aged 23 and older. The results suggest that when basic psychological needs are fulfilled, individuals demonstrate better self-control, which in turn helps reduce nomophobic tendencies. This highlights the importance of fostering psychological well-being as a strategy to address smartphone addiction and its related anxieties in today’s digital age.

The effects of smartphone addiction on postural awareness and habits, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and sleep quality

ABSTRACT Smartphone addiction may cause postural problems pain, fatıgue and sleep disturbance. We aimed to asses postural problems (postural habits and awareness, ergonomic awareness, positional awareness and awareness of factors disrupt posture, positional awareness), pain, fatigue and sleep problems in two separate smartphone user groups, one ‘Addicted’, the other ‘Non-Addicted’according to smartphone addiction scale-short version. A sample of convenience (n = 329) was recruited from participants (age 20.73 ± 2.133, 17.2% male). Postural problems, fatigue, pain and sleep quality were assessed with the postural habits and awareness scale, Chedlar Fatigue assessment scale, and Visual analogue scale, respectively. There was a significant difference between the groups in favour of the non-addicted group in postural habits (p = 0.0001), ergonomic awareness (p = 0.002), and recognition of factors that disrupt posture scores (p = 0.0001). Mental and physical fatigue levels were significantly higher in the addicted group (p = 0.0001). Shoulder (p = 0.032), neck (p = 0.005), and back pain (p = 0.047) were more severe in the addicted group. Sleep quality scores were significantly worse in the addicted group (p = 0.0001). Smartphone addiction may lead to a decline in posture, ergonomic awareness, and awareness of factors that can disturb posture. It can also increase levels of mental and physical fatigue, worsen pain severity, and reduce sleep quality.

Influence of Smartphone Usage on development of Sexuality among Late Adolescent Boys in Health Sciences Colleges of South India.

Better affordability of data plans and an increase in "budget" smartphones have resulted in an exponential rise in internet and smartphone users. The ease of access to sexually explicit material (SEM) coupled with adolescents' impulsivity makes them prone to excessive SEM exposure and may affect the development of sexuality via the perceived realism of such content. This study was done to study the influence between problematic smartphone usage (PSU) and sexuality development among late adolescent boys. One hundred and thirty-four adolescents aged 18-19 years, studying in a medical university, participated in this cross-sectional study. Smartphone Addiction Scale - short version (SAS-SV) to evaluate PSU and a content validated semi-structured proforma to evaluate gender identity, sexual orientation, sources of information on pubertal changes, and exposure to pornographic content was used. We expressed results as proportion and summary measures (Mean±SD), Chi-square test to find influence between PSU and adolescent sexuality development. We found a 45.5% prevalence of PSU. Among study participants, 88% were attracted to the opposite sex, 6% were attracted to the same-sex, and 6% were attracted to both sexes. Three per cent of participants liked wearing clothes of the opposite sex, 7.5% wanted to be members of the opposite sex, whereas 10.4% were not comfortable with their genitalia. They obtained information regarding pubertal changes from friends (85) and media (78). Many had exposure to pornographic content (90%), with the youngest being nine years old. Nearly half of the late adolescents have PSU. Pornographic contents are accessed through Smartphones.

Smartphone Addiction, Cyberbullying Victimization, Quality of Life and Academic Performance among Students

This study aims to explore the impact of smartphone addiction in relation to cyberbullying victimization, quality of life, and academic performance, among university students. The sample consisted of 310 students, ranging in age from 16 -26. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the sample. Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), Cyberbullying Scale (CBS), and World Health Organization Quality Of Life Scale-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) were used for data collection. The results indicated that there is a significant positive correlation between smartphone addiction and cyberbullying victimization (r = .62, p < .01), as well as significant negative correlations between cyberbullying victimization and quality of life (r = -.761, p < .01) and smartphone addiction and quality of life also (r = -.60, p < .01). The results further highlighted the significant distinctions in smartphone addiction and cyberbullying victimization between males and females, showing males have greater smartphone addiction and cyberbullying victimization than females. In addition, the results showed a weak association (η = 0.34) between smartphone addiction and income.

Mediating Role of Cognitive Flexibility in the Relationship between Smartphone Addiction and Phubbing

The widespread adoption of smartphones raised worries about addictive behaviours, especially smartphone addiction and phubbing. Contrary to prior research, the study aimed to investigate, phubbing as predictor of smartphone addiction, and determining the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the association between phubbing and smartphone addiction. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 255 participants (42% males, 58% females), aged 18 to 30 years. Data were collected using the Generic Scale of Phubbing (GSP) to measure phubbing, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) to assess smartphone addiction, and A New Measure of Cognitive Flexibility to evaluate cognitive flexibility. The findings showed a negative correlation between phubbing and cognitive flexibility and a positive correlation between higher levels of phubbing and increased smartphone addiction. The association between phubbing and an addiction to smartphones is partially mediated by cognitive flexibility, according to mediation analysis. Furthermore, there were no gender differences in cognitive flexibility or smartphone addiction, but there were notable gender differences in phubbing action, with men scoring higher than women. This study emphasizes the mediation impact of cognitive flexibility and the crucial importance of phubbing as predictor of smartphone addiction. Enhancing cognitive flexibility through interventions could be a useful strategy for reducing smartphone addiction and fostering young people's digital well-being.

Prevalence and associations of problematic smartphone use with smartphone activities, psychological well-being, and sleep quality in a household survey of Singapore adults.

Despite the many benefits of smartphones, researchers have raised concerns over problematic smartphone use (PSU) and its negative effects on physical and psychological well-being. Studies examining PSU and its impact among adults remain limited. Hence, we aim to examine the prevalence of PSU among adults in Singapore, and explore its associations with smartphone activities, sleep quality, and psychological well-being, as well as age and gender-related differences in these associations. A household survey (n = 1200) was conducted among multi-ethnic Singapore adults aged 21 to 60. The survey employed a proportionate stratified random sampling approach. The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version was used to determine risk of PSU. Adjusted multivariable logistic regressions, age-stratified (21-30, and above 30) analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed. The survey response rate was 45.7%. PSU prevalence rate was estimated to be 34.0%. Adults at risk were younger (OR = 3.72, p < 0.001), had poor sleep quality (OR = 2.94), reported depressive (OR = 2.84, p = 0.001) or anxiety symptoms (OR = 2.44, p < 0.001), tend to use smartphones for social media (OR = 2.81, p = 0.002) or entertainment (OR = 2.72, p < 0.001). Protective factors include higher levels of social support (OR = 0.76, p = 0.007), using smartphones for calling family (OR = 0.39, p = 0.003) and friends (OR = 0.53, p = 0.030), and spending four hours or less of smartphone usage duration (OR = 0.40, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings. Associations between PSU and poor sleep quality (OR = 3.72, p < 0.001), depressive (OR = 3.83, p < 0.001), and anxiety symptoms (OR = 2.59, p = 0.004) and social media usage (OR = 3.46, p < 0.001) were more pronounced in adults over 30. PSU was more prevalent among females in those aged 21-30 (OR = 2.60, p = 0.022). Social support appears to be a protective factor for adults over 30 (OR = 0.64, p < 0.001) but was not observed in those aged 21-30. Among males, younger age (21-30 years), poor sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms, and using social media and entertainment apps were significantly associated with PSU. Females showed similar associations. Social support appears to be a protective factor for females (OR = 0.70, p = 0.018), but this association was not observed for males. Shorter smartphone usage times were inversely associated with PSU in both genders. A substantial proportion of adults exhibited PSU. Findings highlight the differential associations between PSU and psychological well-being, social support, interactions with technology, and sleep quality. These associations are influenced by age which has implications for preventive efforts.

Smartphone addiction and depression among health sciences students during COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundPrevious studies indicate an increasing prevalence of depression among university students worldwide. Besides, university students are more likely to excessively use smartphones, making them more susceptible to smartphone addiction. Pandemic conditions can also have negative effects on mental health. Thus, this study aims to investigate the frequency of depression among university students during COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe study population for this mixed-method research, which includes both qualitative and quantitative components, consists of students studying health sciences at a state university in Istanbul, Türkiye. No sample was selected for the quantitative data collection; instead, it was aimed to reach the entire population. Sociodemographic characteristics, the 10-item Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), and the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used. In the qualitative part of our study, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 12 students. Statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe study, involving 819 students, found that 25.2% had moderate depression and 5.7% had severe depression. A statistically significant relationship was found between self-perceived smartphone addiction and the presence of moderate-severe depression (p < 0.001). Participants who spent more than 4 h a day on their smartphones, those who checked their smartphones more than 30 times a day, those who perceived themselves as smartphone addicts, and those who experienced smartphone-related sleep problems obtained statistically significantly higher scores from BDI compared to others (p < 0.05). According to our qualitative results, some participants thought that smartphone use could cause a depressive mood by isolating people, while others believed it could do so through the negative effects of social media. All participants reported that the quarantine period increased their smartphone usage.ConclusionOur results suggest a potential interaction between smartphone addiction and depression. This indicates the potential benefit of assessing and addressing both conditions simultaneously.

Smartphone Addiction Affecting Study Habit of Chittagong University Students

The aim of the research was to determine the effects of smartphone addiction on study habits of university students. Data were collected from 200 students (100 males and 100 females) selected purposively from Chittagong University, Bangladesh. To collect data, Personal Information Form (PIF), Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV) translated by Hossain and Kawser1 and Study Habit Questionnaire adapted by Ahmed, Hossain, and Rashid2 were administered on 200 undergraduates of Chittagong University. To analyze the data, t-test and regression analyses was used. Results revealed that higher smartphone usages led to lower study habits. There were statistically significant gender differences in smartphone addiction and study habits of students. In addition, statistically significant differences between residential and non-residential students were observed in case of smartphone addiction, but no significant differences were evident for study habits. A multiple regression analysis confirmed that smartphone addiction was a significant predictor that could explain 6.3% variations in study habits of university students. Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci. Vol. 12 (1 &amp; 2): 1-7, 2024

The validity and reliability of the Hungarian version of smartphone addiction scale – Short version (SAS-SV-HU) among university students

The Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) is a widely used tool for examining smartphone addiction, but its Hungarian validation has not been available yet. The purpose of this research is the adaptation of the SAS-SV in Hungarian among university students. A total of 456 university students aged between 18 and 31 years (Mage = 21.9, 74.6% female) participated in this cross-sectional study. We performed a test-retest evaluation with a convenience sample of 50 university students to examine the reliability of the questionnaire. The participants completed the questionnaire twice, 3 weeks apart. The online survey comprised four sections: (a) sociodemographic, (b) mobile phone usage habits, (c) the SAS-SV adapted into Hungarian (SAS-SV-HU), and (d) The Brief Smartphone Addiction Scale (BSAS). The reliability of the SAS-SV-HU was evaluated by internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability, and the validity of the SAS-SV-HU was evaluated by structural, convergent, and discriminant validity. The internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which showed a good level of internal consistency (α = 0.79). The test–retest reliability of the SAS-SV-HU questionnaire was excellent (ICC = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.922–0.975, p < 0.001). The modified model was showed acceptable fit indices, where the CMIN/df 2.546; χ2 78.912, p < 0.001, RMSEA 0.058 (90% CI 0.042–0.074) TLI 0.931, CFI 0.952, SRMR 0.046. The SAS-SV-HU scale significantly correlated with the BSAS score (p < 0.001, rs = 0.666) and the mean time spend on smartphones (p < 0.001, rs = 0.233). The results showed that the SAS-SV-HU is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the smartphone addiction of Hungarian university students.

The relationship between smartphone usage position, pain, smartphone addiction, and hand function.

The hand is the most frequently used part of the body during daily life activities. Any musculoskeletal problem that may occur in the hand can lead to loss of function. This study examined the relationship between the wrist and elbow position adapted during smartphone use, pain and discomfort, smartphone addiction, and hand function. Pain and discomfort were evaluated with the visual analog scale, wrist and elbow angle during phone use were evaluated with a universal goniometer, smartphone addiction was evaluated with the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and functional status of the hand was evaluated with the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. A total of 120 university students (female: n= 60), with an average age of 22.71 ± 2.7years, were included in this cross-sectional study. A relationship was found between the angle of the wrist and elbow during smartphone use and pain/discomfort (r= 0.692, p= 0.001), smartphone addiction (r= 0.575, p= 0.001), and hand function parameters (r= 0.20-0.55, p⩽ 0.05). Due to the increased use of smartphones in today's environment, a preventive program should be developed in which texting for extended periods is avoided, along with frequent breaks to rest the hands, and stretching exercises for the upper extremities during rest.

Prevalence of Screen Addiction Based on Content Among University Students of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Screen Addiction &amp; to compare the addiction scores with respect to type of content most consumed Study Design: Quantitative Analytical Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Pakistan, from Jan 2022-Apr 2022 Methodology: The research was conducted over a sample size of 343 participants, studying in universities of Rawalpindi Islamabad Pakistan aging 18-30 years. Individuals having access to electronic devices were included while individuals with terminal illness were excluded. SA –SV (Smart phone addiction Scale-Short Version) was used to assess screen addiction while an Open and Close ended questionnaire, “Questionnaire to assess Screen Usage Behavior and Content Consumed” helped in assessing the type of content through google forms. Results: Screen addiction value was 3.7 on the six-point SAS-SV Likert scale. Sample size was 343. Screen addiction was present in 70% (240 participants). The commonest screen used were smartphones/tablets (68.2%) while social media (67%) was the major reason behind the use. WhatsApp (35.9%) and Facebook (24.5%) were used most frequently. About 50% individuals agreed the reason for over usage was to relax and 29.74% spent more than 3 hours continuously on the screen. Our study shows prevalence of screen addiction to be significant (p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: Our findings reveal that most people are suffering from screen addiction and the content they’re most addicted to is, social media. Attention needs to be drawn towards this issue given to the increasing social and psychological problems.,

Exploring the Relationship of Smartphone Addiction on Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Symptoms, and Sleep Quality Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The prevalence of smartphone usage is steadily rising, leading to the potential development of addiction due to problematic use. This study examined the relationship between smartphone addiction, self-perceived attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms, and sleep quality among 443 university students at Bingöl University. Participants completed several questionnaires, including the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. This study examined 443 participants, with a mean age of 20.97±3.29, of whom 72.7% (n=322) were female. Results showed that the majority of participants primarily used smartphones (94.8%, n=420) for social media browsing (49.9%, n=221). Factors such as smoking, preference for smartphone screens, and prolonged screen exposure significantly affected sleep quality. Smartphone addiction rates were notable, with 50.4% (n=61) of males and 47.2% (n=152) of females being affected; this addiction was associated with poorer sleep quality. Correlations were found between age, sleep duration, and scores on smartphone addiction, sleep quality, and attention deficit scales. Linear regression analysis revealed that age, attention deficit scores, and sleep quality scores significantly influenced levels of smartphone addiction. These findings contribute valuable insights into the impact of smartphone addiction on attention and sleep in university students.

Can nomophobia be a contemporary and novel cluster of symptoms of adult separation anxiety disorder?

Objective: The connection between adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) and nomophobia has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether there is a relationship between ASAD and nomophobia. Method: The sample consisted of 68 university students diagnosed with ASAD and 77 university students without ASAD. All participants were evaluated by a structured clinical interview, Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA), Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI), Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Result: Participants with ASAD had longer daily phone usage times and had a higher frequency of checking the phone during the day and the rates of carrying a charger than controls. Compared to the control group, participants with ASAD had significantly higher ASA, SASI, NMP-Q, and SAS-SV scores and more severe nomophobia levels. The ASA scores were significantly positively correlated with SASI, NMP-Q, and SAS-SV. Regarding predictors of nomophobia, ASA, SASI, and SAS-SV scores had a positive and significant effect on nomophobia, and predicted nomophobia. Conclusion: Our research adds to the body of knowledge on nomophobia by demonstrating that people with ASAD are susceptible to developing nomophobia. Clinicians should be aware of the association between ASAD and nomophobia, and nomophobia may be an important concept that should be considered in the therapy approach to patients with ASAD.

Smartphone addiction and mental health problems among Vietnamese undergraduate students: the mediating role of sleep quality

This study aims to explore how sleep quality act as a mediator between smartphone addiction and mental health problems among Vietnamese undergraduate students. In this study, self-report questionnaires, including the Smartphone Addiction Scale, Short Version (SAS-SV), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, 21 (DASS-21), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale (PSQI), were filled out by 905 students who had an average age of 19.83 years (SD = 1.30). 561 students, accounting for 62% of all participants do not suffer from smartphone addiction, while 344 students, representing 38.0% of all participants suffer from smartphone addiction. Female students exhibited a higher level of smartphone addiction compared to male students (p < 0.05). This study found a positive correlation between smartphone addiction and stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. The relationship between smartphone addiction and mental health problems (stress, anxiety, and depression) was shown to be mediated by sleep quality. Several research and practice suggestions are provided.

Social Media Usage for Medical Education and Smartphone Addiction Among Medical Students: National Web-Based Survey.

Social media (SoMe) have taken a major place in the medical field, and younger generations are increasingly using them as their primary source to find information. This study aimed to describe the use of SoMe for medical education among French medical students and assess the prevalence of smartphone addiction in this population. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among French medical students (second to sixth year of study). The questionnaire collected information on SoMe use for medical education and professional behavior. Smartphone addiction was assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short-Version (SAS-SV) score. A total of 762 medical students responded to the survey. Of these, 762 (100%) were SoMe users, spending a median of 120 (IQR 60-150) minutes per day on SoMe; 656 (86.1%) used SoMe for medical education, with YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook being the most popular platforms. The misuse of SoMe in a professional context was also identified; 27.2% (207/762) of students posted hospital internship content, and 10.8% (82/762) searched for a patient's name on SoMe. Smartphone addiction was prevalent among 29.1% (222/762) of respondents, with a significant correlation between increased SoMe use and SAS-SV score (r=0.39, 95% CI 0.33-0.45; P<.001). Smartphone-addicted students reported a higher impact on study time (211/222, 95% vs 344/540, 63.6%; P<.001) and a greater tendency to share hospital internship content on social networks (78/222, 35.1% vs 129/540, 23.8%; P=.002). Our findings reveal the extensive use of SoMe for medical education among French medical students, alongside a notable prevalence of smartphone addiction. These results highlight the need for medical schools and educators to address the responsible use of SoMe and develop strategies to mitigate the risks associated with excessive use and addiction.

Is There a Difference in Pulmonary Functions and Craniovertebral Angle Among Adolescents Based on Their Smartphone Usage Time? A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: People who use smartphones for extended periods run the risk of developing cumulative trauma. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of using smartphones on pulmonary function and craniovertebral angle (CVA) among adolescents and compare addicted and nonaddicted ones. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 71 boys and 57 girls; Participants were categorized into two groups according to their scores on the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) for adolescents. Addicted group (score &gt; 32, n =37 M /27 F) while non-addicted group (score ≤ 32, n = 34 M/30 F). The outcome variables were craniovertebral angle (CVA), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Results: The findings of this study suggest a moderately strong negative relationship between smartphone addiction and CVA, as well as a weak negative association between smartphone addiction and the FEV1/FVC ratio. However, no significant correlations were found between smartphone addiction and FEV1 (r = -0.128, p = 0.149) or FVC (r = -0.019, p = 0.835). Conclusion: using smartphones for a long time had a bad impact on CVA and pulmonary function in adolescents.

Safe Use of Screen Time Among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Yoga.

For students between the ages of 11 and 18, the estimated daily exposure to electronic media is around 1.5 hours, suggesting a growing trend in the amount of time spent in front of a screen. Increasing screen time use is related to sleep, mental health, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders, unhealthy diets, depressive symptoms, poor quality of life, and substance-behavioral addictions. The current study is a parallel-group, simple randomized controlledtrial (RCT). A total of 100 participants were randomized into a yoga group (YG) (n=50) and an attentional control group (CG) (n=50) by using an online randomizer. The YG received yoga practice, whereas the partially active CG received an educational program on digital hygiene. Students were assessed for screen time use, Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), general well-being, depressive symptoms, and generalized anxiety following 12 weeks of intervention. The yoga group showed a significant decrease in the scores of SAS-SV, generalized anxiety, depressive symptoms, and screen time use after the intervention (p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant decrease in screen time use for all modes of total weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. Additionally, in the yoga group, the majority of the sub-factors of screen time use showed statistically significant changes; time spent on television showed a constant decrease in all modes such as weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. The result of the current study suggests that yoga practice hasa positive influence on screen usage behavior and associated health-related complications. More studies are required to understand if yoga practice can help mitigate the pleasure-seeking behavior that drives the excessive usage of screens.

Smartphone Addiction among Adolescents in Southern Italy and Correlation with Other Risky Behaviors.

Addiction to smartphone is defined as the disability to cease using the device despite the physical, psychological, or social consequences. The diagnosis of this disorder is increasing exponentially among teenagers, even more so after Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to analyze the risk of mobile phone addiction among teenagers in Italy and its relationship with other risk behaviors, such as drug consumption and emotional well-being, following the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Catania, Sicily, during 2022. The study sample comprised 342 students from a secondary education center that answered to a validated Italian version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) accessing through computers and mobile devices. Subjective Wellbeing was measured with the Personal Wellbeing Index-School Children (PWI-SC). Also, they completed the NIAAA Brief Alcohol Use Screener. Our results showed that 30.1% of students who participated in the survey were classified with a smartphone addiction. Besides, most of the participants used the Smartphone for social networks (86.0%). Regarding the other aspects measured, the mean self-perceived well-being score measured with the PWI-SC was 55.5, and 36.2% of participants were categorized as "high risk" for depression. Finally, four out of ten participants were at "moderate or high risk" of an alcohol use disorder. Our results suggest that the use of mobile phones is increasing in adolescents, an age group also exposed to social and health problems.

Association of sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical students in Nepal

IntroductionWhile research has examined the connections between sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and depressive symptoms in general, no studies focused on undergraduate medical students in Nepal have specifically tested the complex relationship between these factors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the interaction between smartphone addiction, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical students of Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 undergraduate medical students at Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 via the bootstrap model approach.ResultsOut of the total participants, 67.9% were male. Males showed higher scores in smartphone addiction and depressive symptoms than females (b = 5.3, Bca 95% CI:1.2, 9.1, p < 0.05). The unadjusted model indicated that the presence of smartphone addiction explained 36.5% of the indirect impact of sleep quality on depressive symptoms. However, in the adjusted model, after introducing socio-demographic, behavioral, and educational variables as covariates, this percentage decreased to 33.02%.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant role of both smartphone addiction and sleep quality in mediating the indirect effect on depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical students. Smartphone addiction emerged as a key mediator of depressive symptoms, indicating a potentially important factor in mental health. Investigating this relationship further through longitudinal studies will be crucial for developing effective preventative and therapeutic approaches.

Smartphone use and social media addiction in undergraduate students

Background Children’s use of social media has increased significantly over the past decade. As a result, they are susceptible to smartphone addiction. In particular, parents' and children's well-being and behaviors are negatively affected by smartphone addiction. Such addiction likely affects both physical performance and lifestyle. Adolescents utilize their smartphones while performing other tasks. The secondary task might divert attention away from the primary task. Reaction time is the combination of brain processing and muscular movement. Texting or communicating on a smartphone while performing another task may affect reaction time. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the influence of smartphone use on reaction time in undergraduate students who were addicted to smartphones. Methods The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) was used to assign 64 undergraduate students to the smartphone addiction group (n = 32) and the control group (n = 32). The reaction time (RT) of an organism is used to determine how rapidly it responds to stimuli. All participants were examined on the RT test under three conditions: no smartphone use (control), texting, and chatting on a smartphone. Participants were questioned by smartphone through text message or chat with the support of a researcher during the texting and conversation conditions. While responding to the questions, the participant was administered an RT test. Results The results showed that smartphone addiction tends to have a reduced influence on reaction time when compared to the control group. Also, texting or conversing on a smartphone while doing other work had a substantial impact on reaction time in the undergraduates. Conclusions Combining smartphone use with other activities tends to reduce undergraduate students' reaction time.