Smartphone Addiction Scale Research Articles

Smartphone addiction: Neck functional disability and quality of life among undergraduate university students

ABSTRACT Background: Smartphone usage is on an increasing rise among undergraduate students worldwide owing to their portability and usability. Although beneficial in many ways, excessive use places degenerative strain on the user’s skeletal system while also reducing their quality of life (QOL). This study investigated the relationships between smartphone addiction, neck functionality, and QOL among undergraduate students. Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted. Four hundred and four smartphone using undergraduates from a Ghanaian university (207 females, 197 males; mean age = 21.23 ± 1.769 years, who spent a mean of 8.13 ± 5.21 h on their smartphones daily) were recruited. The Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS), and assessment of QOL (AQoL) were used to assess smartphone addiction, functional levels of the neck, and QOL, respectively. Results: Among participants, 79.95% had a high degree of smartphone addiction. 99.26% scored above the normal range (≥20) on the CNFDS. There was a significant positive correlation between participants’ SAS and CNFDS scores (P = 0.038) and SAS and AQoL scores (P = 0.001), while CNFDS and AQoL (P = 0.885) were negatively correlated. Conclusion: Smartphone addiction is associated with neck disability among undergraduate students and negatively affects their QOL. Increasing awareness can alter how people perceive addiction. Further studies are required to understand the causes of smartphone addiction because the study also revealed that the participants were addicted to their phones.

Severe depression association with the addiction to fast food and smartphones in Jordanians: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe connection between psychiatry health, mental health, and lifestyle is under-studied in the Arab world. This study examined whether addictions to smartphones and fast food are associated with severe depressive symptoms in a cohort of Arab Jordanians.MethodThis research is cross-sectional. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to measure the severity of depression (PHQ-9), food addiction was assessed using the 9-item Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS), and smartphone addiction was assessed using the Arabic-validated Smartphone Addiction Scale. Using multivariable binary logistic regression, the relationship between food addiction, and depressive symptoms. Results: Data were analyzed from 426 participants, 264 participants (62.0%) reported being addicted to smartphones, and 156 (36.6%) reported severe depressive symptoms. The multivariable binary logistic regression revealed that severe depression was significantly associated with lower income (OR = 2.14, 95% Cl 1.34–3.41, P = 0.001), addiction to smartphones (OR = 2.15, 95% = 1.39–3.32, P = 0.001), and increased addiction to fast food (OR = 1.06, 95% = 1.04–1.08, P = < 0.001).ConclusionAddiction to smartphones, addiction to fast food, and low income were all associated with severe depression in Arab Jordanians, community awareness is highly required to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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.

Developing a novel parental phubbing scale of mother and father forms for adolescents in Türkiye: A validity and reliability study

Parental phubbing occurs when parents interrupt and neglect communication with their child by focusing on their smartphones. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive scale for perceived parental phubbing and examine its psychometric properties. The scale was initially developed based on a review of existing research and essays written by secondary school adolescents aged 10–15 years, who represented the target group. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on samples of Turkish adolescents (NEFA = 325, NCFA=210). EFA identified a 10-item structure with two factors—“interaction interruptions” and “emotional reactions”—which accounted for a significant portion of the total variance in both the Parental Phubbing Scale-Mother (PPS-M) and Father (PPS-F) Forms. CFA confirmed this structure, with both forms demonstrating a good fit. Criterion validity was evaluated through correlations with the short forms of the Smartphone Addiction Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale, showing positive correlations. Reliability analysis indicated that both Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω coefficients exceeded 0.70 for both the PPS-MF and PPS-FF. Test-retest reliability coefficients ranged between 0.70 and 0.82 for both forms. In conclusion, the PPS-MF and PPS-FF are valid and reliable instruments for assessing parental phubbing based on adolescents' perceptions.

The relationship between autistic traits and problematic smartphone use in adolescents: The serial mediating role of anxiety and executive dysfunction

BackgroundBased on the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model, this study aimed to explore the relationship between autistic traits and problematic smartphone use (PSU) among Chinese adolescents and to examine the serial mediation effect of anxiety and executive dysfunction in the association between autistic traits and PSU.MethodsThe Autism-Spectrum Quotient, Smartphone Addiction Scale, the trait version of the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Dysexecutive Questionnaire were administered to a sample comprising 412 senior high school students (average age = 17.05 years, SD = 0.65). Structural equation models were utilized to explore the simple and serial mediating role of anxiety and executive dysfunction played in the association between autistic traits and PSU.ResultsThis study found that social rather than non-social autistic traits were positively associated with anxiety, executive dysfunction, and PSU. Furthermore, after controlling for gender, anxiety and executive dysfunction acted as sequential mediators in the connection between social autistic trait and PSU. However, non-social autistic trait did not predict anxiety, executive dysfunction, or PSU.ConclusionThis study supports the I-PACE model and deepens understanding of PSU formation. Furthermore, the findings underscore the importance of addressing social challenges faced by adolescents with high autistic traits, providing a viable potential intervention pathway to promote healthy smartphone use in this population.

Psychometric Properties of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) Among Students at Jeddah University, KSA

Objectives: The current study examines the psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) to verify its adequacy for the Saudi environment. The study identifies gender differences in smartphone addiction at Jeddah University and highlights a variety of smartphone-based activities. Methods: The sample consists of (272) male and female students at Jeddah University, and it is divided into )152( female students and )120( male students, respectively representing 55.9% and 44.1%. Their ages range from 19 to 23 years old with an average age of 21.66 and a standard deviation of 1.732. The tools include a basic data collection form and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) by Kwon et al., 2013a. Results: The study shows that the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) has good psychometric properties, reflecting its validity and reliability in the Saudi environment. Moreover, the study reveals that there are significant differences between male and female university students in smartphone addiction at 0.001, favoring male students. That is, male students suffer more from smartphone addiction than female students. In addition, the study shows that there are diverse smartphone-based activities among students. Conclusion: Based on the results, the study recommends offering counseling programs, lectures, and seminars to raise awareness of the negative effects of using smartphones and to help university students (especially males) to get rid of this behavioral addiction.

SMARTPHONE ADDICTION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS: DO SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-CONTROL PLAY ROLE?

Smartphone addiction has increasingly emerged as a significant concern among college students. This study aims to investigate the impact of self-esteem and self-control on smartphone addiction within this demographic. Adopting a survey design with a correlational approach, the study involved 130 students selected using convenience sampling. The researchers employed the Smartphone Addiction Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Self-Control Scale for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the variables, followed by hypothesis testing through simple and multiple regression analyses. The results indicate that both self-esteem and self-control negatively affect smartphone addiction, both independently and collectively. Specifically, higher levels of self-esteem and self-control are associated with lower levels of smartphone addiction among participants. This study provides a novel contribution by examining the combined effects of self-esteem and self-control, offering new insights into the roles of these psychological factors in predicting smartphone addiction among Indonesian university students. These findings have significant implications for addressing smartphone addiction through interventions that enhance self-esteem and self-control.

The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Smartphone Addiction in Adolescents and Parental Neglect During the Pandemic

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between social media and smartphone addiction in adolescents and their parents’ neglectful behaviors in the pandemic. The main problem of the research is to examine whether the increasing socialization and intimacy needs of adolescents during the pandemic period are an important factor in the emergence of social media and smartphone addiction due to their parents' inability to adequately meet these needs and neglecting their children, especially in terms of supervision. The study group consisted of 280 adolescents aged between 11-14 attending secondary schools in the city center of Ankara, Türkiye and their parents. In terms of the data gathering instruments, an Individual Information Form was administered to both the children and parents for the purpose of gathering socio-demographic data. In addition, adolescents were administered Smartphone Addiction Scale for the purpose of assessing their smartphone addiction levels along with Social Media Addiction Scale for the purpose of assessing their social media addiction levels. On the other hand, the Multidimensional Neglectful Behaviors Scale was administered to the parents in order to assess the level of their neglectful behaviors. As a result, 86.5% (n=218) of adolescents stated that their smartphone use and 78.5% (n=204) stated that their social media use increased during the pandemic period. When the smart phone and social media addiction status of adolescents were compared according to the level of neglect by their parents, it was determined that the neglect scores of adolescents with addiction level-smart phone and -social media use were significantly higher. In addition, it was found that parental neglect levels were positively associated with both smart phone addiction and social media addiction in adolescents, and there was a positive relationship between smart phone addiction and social media addiction in adolescents. The findings were discussed in line with the related literature.

Treatment strategies for smartphone addiction: efficacy study of transcranial direct current stimulation and exergaming.

Smartphone addiction is on the rise globally. This study aimed to compare the rehabilitative effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and exergames on smartphone addiction among college students. Additionally, we discussed the central mechanisms through changes in electroencephalography (EEG) to provide clinical insights. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to three groups: control group, tDCS group (bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation), and exergame group. The intervention lasted for 4 weeks with twice-weekly sessions. Outcome measures included the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Chinese Version (SAS-C), Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) net scores, and event-related potential (ERP) data collected during the IGT, focusing on P300 and feedback-related negativity (FRN) amplitudes. All groups showed significant reductions in SAS-C scores post-intervention. Behaviorally, post-intervention scores improved, indicating significant effects of different interventions on participants' strategy choices. P300 amplitudes increased significantly at outcome electrode sites for all groups, with the most notable increase in tDCS group FC2 and CP1. FRN amplitudes decreased significantly post-intervention in the control and tDCS groups, with significant differences between the two groups. All three interventions appeared to have alleviating effect on smartphone addiction. After 4 weeks, participants showed improved executive control and decision-making abilities. Specifically, significant effects were observed in the tDCS group, with increased P300 amplitudes in the frontal, parietal, and central regions, as well as FRN amplitudes in the central and frontal regions. This suggested that tDCS enhanced psychological resources and improved inhibition control capabilities.

Prevalence of Forward Head Posture and Its Association with Smartphone Use among University Students

A person exhibits forward head posture when their spine is out of neutral alignment with their head. Nowadays, smartphones are a necessary tool whose use is becoming increasingly significant. The side effect of smartphone use is forward head posture, which is most common among university students. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of forward head posture and its association with smartphone use among university students. Methods: This correlational study was conducted on university students with a sample size of 340. Both male and female students aged between 18-28 years, who use their smartphones for at least four hours and have no previous record of birth defects of cervical and lumber vertebrae were included. Whereas, any history of cervical surgery, or spinal abnormalities was excluded from the study. The goniometer and ruler method were used to measure the craniovertebral angle, and a smartphone addiction scale was used to screen the participants. Results: A positive correlation was found between craniovertebral angle and duration of smartphone usage with a correlation coefficient of r=0.084 and p=0.02. In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between the ruler method and the duration of smartphone usage with a correlation coefficient of r=0.54 and p=0.403. Conclusions: It was concluded that the prevalence of forward head posture was found to be 47.9% by the ruler method and 62.1% by the craniovertebral angle measurement. There is a correlation between craniovertebral angle and smartphone use and the duration of smartphone usage.

The relationship between sleep quality, depression, and smartphone addiction in pregnant women: a mediation analysis

ABSTRACT In recent years, the prevalence of smartphone addiction has significantly increased. This situation has raised concerns about its potential impact on health aspects, such as sleep quality and mental health, particularly among vulnerable populations like pregnant women. This study aimed to identify the factors that determine sleep quality in pregnant women and examine the relationship between smartphone addiction, depression, and sleep quality. This descriptive correlational study included 257 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters who were registered at six family health centers between September 2022 and March 2023. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Regression and mediation analyses were performed for the data. Of the participants, 44.4 percent had poor sleep quality. Depression and third trimester were significant determinants of sleep quality. The bootstrapping results revealed that smartphone addiction led to an increase in the level of depression (β = 0.145; p < .001). Depression worsened sleep quality (β = 0.262; p < .001). The smartphone addiction did not significantly affect sleep quality (β = 0.020; p = .279). Depression mediates the relationship between sleep quality and smartphone addiction (β = 0.038; 95 percent CI [0.018: 0.062]). The study highlights that while smartphone addiction does not directly impact sleep quality in pregnant women, it is associated with increased depression levels, which subsequently worsen sleep quality. It is recommended that healthcare providers monitor smartphone usage and mental health in pregnant women to mitigate the risk of sleep disturbances and improve overall well-being.

Relationship between internet and smartphone addiction and eating attitude and feelings of loneliness in young and adults

BackgroundThe developing technology and the rapid increase in the use of the internet, smartphones, and mobile applications can disrupt the daily quality of life of individuals. This research aimed to scrutinize the link between the internet and smartphone addiction of individuals, eating attitude, and loneliness status. This research was carried out in Ankara, Turkey, and cross-sectional study. A total of 643 (M = 240, F = 403) volunteers between the ages of 18 and 50 participated in the study. Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT), Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and UCLA Loneliness Scales were used in this study.ResultsAs the age of the participants increased, YIAT (r = − 0.352, p < 0.01), SAS scale (r = − 0.302, p < 0.01), and UCLA questionnaire scores (r = − 107, p < 0.01) decreased. When BMI of individuals increas, YIAT (r = − 0.163, p < 0.01), and SAS scale (r = − 0.173, p < 0.01) scores decrease. As a result of logistic regression multiple analysis, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) values for the risk of abnormal eating attitudes were 1.654 (1.166–2.607) in overweight and 2.257 (1.466–3.477) in smartphone addiction (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, it can be put forth that smartphone and internet addiction is associated with abnormal eating attitude and loneliness.

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.

Family happiness and college students' smartphone addiction control: the chain mediation effect of emotion regulation and self-control.

More and more college students use smartphones for a long time every day. The problem of smartphone addiction has become a hot topic of social concern. It not only affects the physical and mental health of college students but also affects the development of families and society. To investigate the effect of family happiness on college students' smartphone addiction, we conducted a questionnaire survey and analysis. In this study, 214 college students were investigated using the adolescent family happiness questionnaire, college students' smartphone addiction scale, self-control scale, and emotion regulation scale. The data were analyzed by Amos and SPSS26.0 software. The results showed that: (1) Family happiness, emotion regulation, and self-control were significantly inversely correlated with smartphone addiction; (2) Emotion regulation and self-control served as partial mediators in the linkage between family happiness and smartphone addiction, and the chain mediation effect of emotion regulation and self-control was significant. Family happiness, emotion regulation, and self-control are key factors that significantly influence college students' smartphone addiction behavior. Family happiness not only has a direct effect on college students' smartphone addiction behavior but also has an indirect effect on it through the chain mediation effect of emotion regulation and self-control.

The relationship between smartphone overuse, anxiety, and depression among middle school adolescents in the city of Kenitra, Morocco: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdolescents face various addiction issues, including excessive smartphone use, which significantly impacts their mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. This study aimed to analyze the impact of smartphone use on the mental health of middle school adolescents in the city of Kenitra, Morocco, focusing particularly on the prevalence of depression and anxiety and to identify the factors influencing these behaviors. The present cross-sectional study included a sample of 341 middle school adolescents from Kenitra city, Morocco. Participants completed a comprehensive questionnaire covering various aspects, including sociodemographic information, smartphone addiction assessment using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and mental health assessment using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Descriptive statistics were performed, and Mann–Whitney U-test and chi-square test were both used for comparisons between the excessive and non-excessive group, respectively. A Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to evaluate associations of smartphone overuse with depression and anxiety.ResultsAmong 341 participants, 37.4% demonstrated smartphone overuse. Males exhibited nonsignificantly higher scores on the SAS than females (p = 0.082). In addition, the mean psychological distress scores for the study participants were 7.62 ± 3.31 for anxiety and 7.75 ± 3.7 for depression. Males exhibited significantly lower scores on the HADS subscales in comparison with females (p < 0.001). Interestingly, the results of the study showed a statistically significant positive correlation between anxiety (r = 0.2441, p = 0.013) and depression (r = 0.4035, p < 0.0001) subscales of HADS and SAS.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that adolescent students exposed to smartphone overuse are vulnerable to mental disorders. The results will be useful in helping schools put in place efficient measures to prevent excessive use of smartphones.

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.

A multi-school study in England, to assess problematic smartphone usage and anxiety and depression.

To assess the association between problematic smartphone usage and anxiety and depression in adolescents. A cross-sectional study in five schools in the UK were included. The primary outcome was moderate anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10) symptoms and secondary outcomes were moderate depression symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10) and insomnia. Problematic smartphone usage was assessed using screentime and the Smartphone Addiction Scale. A multi-level logistic regression was fitted and adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) reported. A mediation analysis was conducted. Of the five included schools, 657 adolescents aged 16-18 years were enrolled. The median age was 17.5 years (17-18 [IQR]) and 508 (77.3%) were female. Of these 188 (28.6%) exhibited moderate anxiety and 226 (34.4%) moderate depression symptoms. Almost two thirds (421, 64.1%) have tried to cut down their smartphone use and 81 (12.5%) wanted help to reduce use. Problematic smartphone use was associated with increased anxiety (aOR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.28-3.23); depression (aOR = 2.96, 95% CI 1.80-4.86); and insomnia (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.08-2.50). Screentime was not associated with anxiety (β = 0.99, 95% CI 0.91-1.08); or depression (β = 0.98, 95% CI 0.89-1.07). Problematic smartphone use had a significant direct, indirect and total effect on both anxiety and depression. Problematic smartphone usage was associated with anxiety and depression, independent of screentime. Interventions are needed to reduce problematic use.

Assessing the Impact of Smartphone Addiction among medical and health faculty students at university of Kirkuk

Background: Modern smartphones have become an integral part of daily life, particularly among medical students who experience significant academic pressure and stress This study aimed to assess the extent of students' impact from smartphone addiction and investigate its association with their demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, and associated risk factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in this study. 772 students from all stages of study in the medical faculties of Kirkuk University. using Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms, and the severity of digital vision syndrome (DES) was measured using 12 items, The Data was analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 22. Results: The result of the current study shows that 55.1% were female and the male were 347 (44.9%). the average age of the students was 21.09 ± 1.75. 46.80% of the sample were overweight and obese. around 343(44.4%) sampled are assigned intermittent sleep. while significant relationships are obtained with each of Socio-Economic Status, specialization, using Smartphone in 24hrs, sleeping hours during a day in at least at P&lt;0.05. an overall through global mean of score for the studied domains was assessed in compact form a moderate level, with percentile ranged responses from 5.65 to 80.61 for the studied sample. Conclusion: Our study substantiated that health and medical students are progressing into a state of addiction. no significant difference between males and females when considering of smartphone addiction. The age group most affected was individuals aged 22-23. while the Individuals with moderate to high SES are more susceptibility to addiction. Smartphone use should be limited. To increase awareness and knowledge about the detrimental impacts of smartphone addiction, workshops, courses, and conferences should be held.