Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version Research Articles

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.

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

Background 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion Nearly half of the late adolescents have PSU. Pornographic contents are accessed through Smartphones.

The associations among type D personality and nomophobia, metacognitions about smartphone use, smartphone addiction in Chinese university freshmen: a two-wave study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine longitudinal associations of Type D personality and smartphone addiction, while also exploring the mediating roles of nomophobia and metacognitions about smartphone use.MethodsType D Personality Scale-14 (T1), Nomophobia Questionnaire (T2), Metacognitions about Smartphone Use Questionnaire (T2) and Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (T2) were applied at two time points. 653 university freshmen (Mage= 18.56, SD = 0.65) from a university in China were surveyed.Results(1) Type D personality was significantly and positively correlated with nomophobia, negative metacognition, and smartphone addiction. In contrast, the correlation between Type D personality and positive metacognition did not reach the significant level. (2) Compared with individuals with non-Type D personality, those with Type D personality scored significantly higher on nomophobia, negative metacognition, and smartphone addiction. However, the difference was not significant for positive metacognition. (3) Nomophobia and metacognitions about smartphone use fully mediated the relationship between Type D personality and smartphone addiction. While the mediating effects of nomophobia and negative metacognition were significant, the mediating effect of positive metacognition was not significant.ConclusionsType D personality can not only affect smartphone addiction directly but also indirectly through nomophobia and negative metacognition. Therefore, to prevent and intervene in smartphone addiction, we can start from both affect (nomophobia) and metacognition (negative metacognitions about smartphone use).

Associations between smartphone addiction, parenting styles, and mental well-being among adolescents aged 15–19 years in Gujarat, India

BackgroundThe pervasive use of smartphones among adolescents has raised concerns about addiction and its impact on mental well-being. This study investigates the prevalence of smartphone addiction and its associations with socio-demographic factors, parenting styles, and mental health among Indian adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 560 school-going adolescents (aged 15–19) in Gujarat, India, from January to October 2023. Data was collected using validated scales: the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with smartphone addiction.ResultsThe prevalence of smartphone addiction was 64.6%. Urban residence (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.8–3.3), higher parental education (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.7–4.3 for graduate fathers), longer smartphone use (AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.7–3.6 for > 3 years), and higher socioeconomic status (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.5–3.51) were associated with increased odds of addiction. Authoritarian and permissive parenting styles in both parents were positively associated with smartphone addiction, while authoritative parenting was negatively associated. Smartphone addiction was strongly associated with mental health issues, particularly with severe stress (AOR: 10.82, 95% CI: 5.11–22.88, p < 0.001).ConclusionSmartphone addiction is highly prevalent among Indian adolescents and is significantly associated with urban living, higher socioeconomic status, non-authoritative parenting styles, and poor mental health. These findings underscore the need for digital literacy programs, parenting interventions promoting authoritative styles, and mental health support to foster healthy smartphone use among adolescents.

Nomophobia and smartphone addiction as correlates of senior secondary school students’ mathematics anxiety

Technology has revolutionised everyday existence. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is essential to society, employment, and education. Improved microelectronics has facilitated the proliferation of inexpensive portable devices such as smartphones. This study, therefore, investigated whether senior secondary school students' nomophobia and smartphone addiction are linked to math anxiety. Two research hypotheses were tested and the study was guided by social cognitive theory. This study employed a descriptive survey research methodology and primary data were collected from 397 students in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria with the use of the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q, α=0.89), the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV, α=0.82), and the Mathematics Anxiety Scale (MAS, α=0.81) developed by Yildirim and Correia (2015), Kwon et al. (2013), and Ablian and Parangat (2022) respectively. The data gathered were subjected to analysis using frequency counts, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis at 0.05 significance level. This analysis was conducted using SPSS software, specifically version 23.0. The research revealed a significant association between nomophobia and smartphone addiction among the students. Additionally, the severity of nomophobia and smartphone addiction emerged as significant predictors of mathematics anxiety among high schools in Lagos. Consequently, this investigation proposes that educational authorities in Lagos State should consider implementing a ban on mobile phone usage within secondary schools as a means to mitigate these behavioural addictions among adolescents. Additionally, stakeholders within the education sector, including parents, can contribute to the prevention of these addictions by advising students about the perils of smartphone addiction, fostering ethical social interactions that cultivate trust in the family unit, and imposing restrictions on their children's smartphone usage and associated expenses.

Study protocol of a proposed Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Program on symptoms of anxiety and psychological distress associated with smartphone use in young adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Nomophobia is a specific phobia characterized by the appearance of anxiety, nervousness, discomfort and distress when the mobile phone is not used and is considered an emerging public health problem because of the negative consequences on the physical and mental health of young people and adolescents, especially women. Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Programs may prove beneficials for improving self-control abilities, a key ability in addressing addictive behaviors. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact, in a young population aged 18-35 years, of an intervention based on Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Program (NAMTP) on disorders associated with problematic use of mobile phones. The effect of the intervention on the total score in the nomophobia test and habits of internet and social network use, as well as on signs of depression, anxiety and stress will be analyzed. As a secondary objective, the effect of the intervention on signs of insomnia will be analyzed. Randomized, controlled clinical-trial with two-parallel groups. 40 young adults (18-35 years) will be included and randomly assigned to Intervention Group-NAMTP or Control Group (CG). The NAMTP will include a total of 25 sessions (2-3/week) during 3-months. Each session will have a duration of 10/15 min. The instrument to be used for the neurofeedback sessions is MUSE® (InteraXon Inc.). Study variables will be collected at the baseline visit and at the final visit (3-months after randomization). During these visits, questionnaires will be administered to evaluate the main and secondary variables that will include the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, Nomophobia Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21-item (DASS-21) and Athens Insomnia Scale. This trial will make an important contribution to the need for evidence of effective education programs and other primary care interventions through new non-invasive interventions in reducing the risk of developing addictions to new technologies and alleviating the symptoms of discomfort associated with this problem. The project was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Salamanca Health Area (CEIm Code: PI 2023 071340). ClinicalTrials.gov, http://www.Clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06188910.

Smartphone addiction habit is positively associated with coronary artery disease and its severity in Chinese adults: a case-control study.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has a high incidence and poor prognosis worldwide. It has been confirmed that smartphone addiction (SA) habit can increase the incidence of hypertension and obesity in adolescents. However, the association of SA with CAD and its severity in Chinese adults remains largely unknown. A total of 700 Chinese adults (aged 18-70 years) including 350 CAD patients and 350 control subjects were enrolled. The Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) was used to measure SA habit, and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality. Multiple logistic regression was employed to analyze the relationship between SA habit and CAD. After adjusting for age, smoking, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other risk factors, there was a significant association between SA habit and CAD in adults (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that there were statistical differences in the correlation between SA habit and CAD in the hypertension, ≤55 years age old, and female subgroups. Moreover, we performed a subgroup analysis based on the number of coronary artery lesions. The result showed that the rate of SA habit in the three-vessel disease group was the highest (p < 0.001). We applied Gensini score to evaluate the severity of coronary artery lesions (median Gensini score, 34) and divided all CAD patients into high Gensini score group (>34) and low Gensini score group (≤34), respectively. Compared with low Gensini score group, patients in high Gensini score group were more likely to have SA habit (p = 0.049). There is a positive association of SA habit with CAD and its severity in Chinese adults.

Do the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) assess two distinct internet-related disorders? A comparative analysis using CFA, Set-ESEM, and Full-ESEM models

ABSTRACT This study investigated whether the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) capture separate Internet-related disorders, comparing CFA, Set-ESEM, and Full-ESEM models on a sample of 839 participants (59.1% females; M age = 30.31, SD = 10.05). The ESEM solution was selected based on fit-indices [χ 2 = 506.810; df = 248, p < .001; CFI = .976; TLI = .963; RMSEA = .035 (.031–.040); SRMR = .019; AIC = 70,390.955; BIC = 71,269.364; aBIC = 70,678.693], inter-factor correlations (.232 < r < .595), parameter estimates (significant primary target loadings and reduced cross-loadings), and theoretical interpretability. This study highlights the conceptual overlap between Internet and smartphone addiction and emphasises the importance of comparing CFA, Set-ESEM, and Full-ESEM models when two or more sets of constructs are included in a single model.

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.

‘There’s more to life than staring at a small screen’: a mixed methods cohort study of problematic smartphone use and the relationship to anxiety, depression and sleep in students aged 13–16 years old in the UK

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are common in adolescents and have increased over the last decade. During that period, smartphone usage has become ubiquitous.ObjectivesThe study aim was to assess the association between...

Myoelectrical activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle in smartphone-addicted versus non-addicted individuals

BackgroundOver the past decade, smartphone users have substantially increased, raising concerns about potential musculoskeletal problems associated with long-term use. Prolonged smartphone usage may cause discomfort in the thumb, shoulder, and neck that can be exacerbated over time, thereby affecting the electrical activity of several muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). Accordingly, we aimed to examine the impact of smartphone addiction on the myoelectric activity of the SCM.Design and methodForty-four smartphone users, both male and female, aged 18–30 years, were recruited from the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, in this observational study. The participants were equally allocated into two groups, A and B, based on their Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) scores. Group A consisted of smartphone-non-addicted users who scored below 31 for males and 33 for females, whereas group B included smartphone-addicted users who scored over 31 for men and 33 for females. Additionally, the electromyography (EMG) device was used to monitor the electrical activity during rest and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC).ResultsThe results showed a significant difference (P < 0.0001) in the electrical activity of the left and right SCMs between the two groups at rest but a nonsignificant difference during MVC.ConclusionSmartphone addiction significantly impacts the myoelectric activity of the SCM at rest among young adult smartphone users, but this impact is not significant during MVC.

Effect of smartphone addiction on mental health and sleep quality among undergraduate pharmacy students in a Nigerian public university

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.

Problematic smartphone use and mental health outcomes among Singapore residents: The health and lifestyle survey

BackgroundThe excessive use of smartphones and its association with adverse outcomes has been widely reported, with several studies showing an association between smartphone overuse, depression, anxiety, and sleep-related problems. MethodsThe study used data from the Health and Lifestyle Survey, a nationwide population survey. It examined the prevalence of Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) and its association with mental health outcomes among Singapore residents aged 15–65 years. ParticipantsParticipants were assessed for PSU using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, psychological distress with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder −7 questionnaire, sleep problems using the Insomnia Severity Index, and positive mental health with Rapid Positive Mental Health Instrument. ResultsIn all, 6509 participants completed the survey, giving a survey response rate of 73.2 %. The prevalence of PSU was 30.2 % in the population. Individuals with PSU were more likely to have symptoms of moderate or severe depression (OR: 3.2, 95 % CI: 2.4–4.4), anxiety (OR: 3.4, 95 % CI: 2.4–4.8), insomnia (OR: 3.4, 95 % CI: 2.8–4.2), and poorer positive mental health (β: −0.3, 95 % CI: −0.4 to −0.2). ConclusionsThe study is the first to examine PSU in a national sample of Singaporeans across a wide age range. It provides valuable insights into mental health comorbidities among those with PSU, which is useful for practitioners.

Clinical Manifestations' Spectrum of Smartphone Addiction: Moving from an Addiction toward a Clinical Syndrome.

Smartphone addiction is an emerging type of addiction in the digital era, characterized by smartphone dependence that negatively affects human health with a wide range of psychological and physical manifestations. This study aimed to evaluate the detailed clinical manifestations of smartphone addiction as a delineated clinical syndrome. A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess smartphone addiction prevalence and its health impacts among Syrian undergraduates using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV 2013), the Kessler psychological distress scale (K-6), and a comprehensive assessment of the clinical manifestations frequently linked to smartphone addiction in the literature. Different statistical modeling techniques were applied; a P value of < .05 was considered statistically significant. Of 1532 invited undergraduates, 1401 (91.45%) completed the assessment adequately. Most participants were females (59.7%) and below 23 years of age (73.2%). The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 67.80%; statistically significant smartphone addiction associations were revealed with psychological distress (P < .0001) with odds ratios of 3.308. Most screened physical manifestations also showed a significant association with smartphone addiction. A high prevalence of smartphone addiction was observed with a broad spectrum of associated mental and physical manifestations. As smart device addiction becomes a global health concern, combining the clinical findings reported in the related literature into one clinical identity is necessary to develop a holistic management approach for the delineated clinical syndrome.

Smartphone addiction and adolescent mental health: a cross-sectional study in West Sumatra province

In West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, approximately 13.01% of individuals aged 15 years or older are affected by mental and emotional disorders, ranking it as the third highest among the 34 provinces. Excessive smartphone use has emerged as a potential influencer of mental health, associated with social networking addiction, shyness, and low self-esteem. This study aimed to examine the relationship between smartphone addiction and mental health issues in adolescents using a cross-sectional design. The sample included 283 randomly selected students aged 15-17 years. Smartphone addiction was measured using the smartphone addiction scale-short version (SAS-SV), and mental health was assessed using the strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). The study revealed a significant association (p&amp;lt;0.001) between smartphone addiction and mental health problems among adolescents, with 72.1% of respondents experiencing smartphone addiction and 26.9% classified as having abnormal mental health. These findings emphasize the need for increased awareness regarding the negative impact of excessive smartphone use on adolescent mental health. Schools should play a vital role in addressing this issue through the provision of guidance and counseling services. Future research should investigate causal relationships using longitudinal designs and consider diverse populations to enhance the generalizability of the results.

The Effects of Smartphone Addiction on Academic Performance Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Karnataka, India: A Multi-centric Study.

Background and objective While smartphones offer various benefits, addiction to them among young people poses a serious problem for parents and educators globally. Several studies have tried to assess the impact of the excessive use of/addiction to smartphoneson students' overall academic performance. While a few studies have found a positive impact, most have observed a negative impact, mainly in the form of deterioration of mental and physical healthand academic performance of students. In light of this, we conducted this study in three medical colleges in Karnataka, India with the objectives of determining the effect of smartphone addiction on the academic performance of undergraduate medical students and to identify the risk factors associated with it. Material and methods This cross-sectional study, conducted between July 2022 and October 2023, involved undergraduate medical students from Yenepoya Medical College, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, and Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Science. A total of 481 students were enrolled by stratified random sampling. Data were collected with the help of Google Forms by using a pre-tested questionnaire. Mobile phone addiction was assessed by using the smartphone addiction scale-short version (SAS-SV). Results Among 481 students, 211 (43.9%)were found to be mobile phone addicts. An independent t-test showed that academic performance was negatively affected in students who were mobile phone addicts. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed several factors significantly associated with mobile phone addiction, including male gender, regular mobile gaming, seeking recognition/popularity through social media, frequent smartphone checking, perceiving smartphone use as more attractive than other activities, limited co-curricular activities, and increased smartphone use during periods of depression or anxiety. Conclusions Based on our findings, smartphone addiction has a negative impact on the academic performance of students. To mitigate this issue, educational institutions should integrate efforts to tackle smartphone addictioninto their curricula and prioritize addressing the identified risk factors.

Fear of Missing Out Syndrome and its Impact on Sleep Quality in Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study.

Objective Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a type of social anxiety defined as "intense concern that others may be experiencing rewarding experiences without one's presence," which can lead to illness. Excessive smartphone use is often associated with FOMO. This study aimed to investigate FOMO among medical university students, as well as factors associated with sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and excessive smartphone use. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using electronic questionnaires and the following scales: FOMO scale/score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS SV). Results Participants included 142 individuals (mean age 23.73 ± 4.98 years, 97 [68.3% female]). All participants were smartphone users. Fear of missing out was present (FOMO score 22.08 ± 6.71) along with poorer sleep quality (PSQI 7.26 ± 3.08) and excessive smartphone use (SAS SV 30.21 ± 10.20). Moderate/severe anxiety (BAI) was reported by 35.2% of participants, while 16.9% had moderate/severe depression (BDI). Positive correlations were found between PSQI and FOMO ( p < 0.05), as well as between SAS SV and FOMO ( p < 0.001), PSQI ( p < 0.001), BAI ( p < 0.001), and BDI ( p < 0.001). Discussion High levels of FOMO, poorer sleep quality, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and excessive smartphone use were found among medical students. Furthermore, a positive correlation was demonstrated between these factors, which can directly impact the physical and mental health, as well as the academic performance of these young individuals.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Smartphone Addiction and Lower Back Pain and Neck Pain Among Medical Students at Al-Baha University.

Introduction In recent years, the increased use of smartphones has adversely affected students, leading to issues like musculoskeletal pain. Therefore, our objective was to assess the correlation between smartphone addiction and neck and lower back pain. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. The Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) was used to measure the level of smartphone addiction while the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was utilized to evaluate musculoskeletal pain. Results Smartphone addiction was prevalent in 72% of the participants (n = 293). Significantly, lower back pain was associated with smartphone addiction (p-value = 0.004). However, none of the demographic characteristics were associated with neck or lower back pain (p-value > 0.05). Students in clinical years had a higher risk of neck pain than those in an internship (p-value = 0.048). Conclusion Almost two-thirds of the students were addicted to smartphones, with a significant association with lower back pain. Students addicted to their smartphones had a higher risk of developing lower back pain, while clinical-year students had a higher risk of developing neck pain. It's important to raise awareness about the health and safety dangers linked to smartphones and other devices.

Prevalence of Smartphone Addiction and its Relationship with Obesity among Young Adults: A Cross-sectional Study from Delhi, India.

Smartphone addiction (SA) has emerged as an important health concern worldwide. Recent studies have recognized SA as one of the factors that promote sedentarism and can contribute to obesity. However, the relationship between SA and obesity among Indian young adults remains understudied. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of SA and explore its association with general and central obesity among young adults in Delhi, India. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 young adults (aged 18-30 years) of either sex (60.16% females) from Delhi. Screening for SA was done using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version. Somatometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference) were taken to determine general and central obesity. SA was prevalent among 25.2% of the participants. The prevalence of SA was higher among males and undergraduate students than among females and postgraduate/MPhil/PhD students, respectively. Further, SA was not associated with any of the obesity variables. Interestingly, smartphone addicts were found to have a 2.5-fold increased risk of being underweight. Though SA was not associated with obesity, it was found to be associated with being underweight, indicating a relationship between smartphone use and nutritional status among young adults.

Investigating the Smartphone Addiction among Undergraduate Nursing Students

In today's digital era, smartphones have become an essential part of our society. However, excessive use of smartphones can have a wide range of consequences and it affects students' physical and mental health. Nursing students should know the appropriate use of smartphones to prevent health complications. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of smartphone addiction among nursing students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized in a total of 98 nursing students of Saifee Burhani School of Nursing in Karachi, Pakistan. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect data and a Smartphone Addiction Scale short version (SAS-SV) questionnaire was utilized to collect data related to smartphone usage patterns and addiction levels among nursing students. Results: The study findings revealed that 68 nursing students (69.39%) were addicted to smartphones. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and independent t-independent -test were applied by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.0 for data analysis. Conclusions: The present study revealed that Smartphone addiction was found higher among nursing students.