Smartphone Users Research Articles

Smartphone use patterns and the impact on accommodation and convergence system of the eyes among Malaysian teenagers

AIM: To determine the smartphone use patterns and effects of smartphone use on accommodation and convergence system of the eyes among Malaysian teenagers. METHODS: A total of 62 participants aged between 13 and 17y were involved. A self-administered questionnaires containing 12 items was used to evaluate the smartphone usage patterns. This was followed by an eye examination, involving a battery of accommodation and convergence assessments before and after the smartphone use. The data analysis comprised descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The use of smartphones is at a high level and at an optimal distance daily, with more than 6h a day watching video films, games, and completing school projects. Majority of the participants not reported eye strain factors and eye prescription changes with the use of digital devices. The use of a smartphone continuously for 30min was found to significantly decrease amplitude of accommodation, accommodative facility, and positive relative accommodation (P<0.001). Meanwhile, the lag of accommodation parameters and negative relative accommodation increased with the use of smartphones significantly (P<0.001). The near point of convergence (NPC) and distance and near negative fusional vergence decreased significantly (P<0.001). The NPC parameter was found to have a weak negative association with the frequency of smartphone use (R=-0.276, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Frequent and continuous use of smartphones have increased visual stress and resulted in weakness of accommodation and vergence functions. Therefore, frequent break is mandatory when using a smartphone and appropriate visual hygiene, the 20-20-20 rule (every 20min, view something 20 feet away for 20s) are required during smartphone use to maintain visual function.

Predicting THE Determinants of Mobile TV Adoption in an Emerging Market: Moderating Effect of Gender and Age

This article focuses on the impact of consumer-centric factors on the adoption of mobile TV in an emerging market, considering the widespread use of mobile technologies worldwide. It aims to explore the motivations behind users’ utilization of mobile TV and over-the-top platforms in the era of digitalization. The study identifies eight independent factors affecting mobile TV adoption intention, grouped using a three-dimensional THE (technology, human, and environment) framework. Data was collected from 324 smartphone users to test the hypothesized relationships using covariance based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) analysis. Further, moderating effect of gender and age was studied on the proposed relationships. The findings revealed that factors such as cost, content, perceived enjoyment, individual viewing experience, social influence, and convenience play a significant role in the successful adoption of mobile TV. On the other hand, app switching and technology readiness were found to be statistically insignificant. The results offer valuable insights to industry players regarding consumers’ adoption behaviour of mobile TV, helping them minimize business risks and focus their efforts, resources, and investments on profitable innovations. The study is first of its kind in India and adds two relatively new factors, that is individual viewing experience and app-switching, to the existing literature on technology adoption theories.

The Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on addictive behaviors: an integrative review

Addictive behaviors and their impacts have been widely explored. Going through a pandemic moment requires further research since crisis situations involve higher propensity to dependency. The aim of this integrative review was to identify studies that have been conducted so as to explore behaviors related to brain’s reward system in a pandemic period, which include substance addiction, internet addiction, gaming and other overusing behaviors. In order to accomplish our objective an integrative search was conducted in CAPES periodicals. Some inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the studies and in total (N=12) were explored independently. The results showed that there is an increasingly concern about health care systems, especially for those addicted to substances who need daily support, since addictions habits may have also increased. Behavioral addictions also increased and were exploited in some studies, especially those related to technologies, such as gaming and smartphone usage.

Patterns matter? A cross-sectional study on social and usage patterns of smartphone internet service and self-perceived addiction in Taiwan

ABSTRACT The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine the level of smartphone online usage patterns and self-perceived addiction in Taiwan. In this study, we argued that differential frequency of online usage patterns gave rise to significant differences between two groups of users in terms of their perception of smartphone addiction. Based on a sample of 1,012 smartphone users aged 12 or above in the nationwide survey of Taiwan’s National Development Council in 2018, we examined the relations between background characteristics, internet-related factors and 10 types of smartphone online usage patterns. The results of multiple logistic regression indicated that social media use can predict the self-perception of smartphone online addiction. Differences between participants of different education levels, age groups and gender in binary smartphone addiction variables were also revealed.

Chinese Cinephiles in the Post-Pandemic Pandemic Era: Comparing the Transition from Traditional Theatres to OTT Platforms

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped film consumption patterns in China, driving a notable transition from traditional theatres to over-the-top (OTT) platforms. This study investigates the factors influencing post-pandemic cinephile preferences, particularly the interplay between OTT platforms and traditional cinema-going platforms. The surge in online streaming, boosted by pandemic-induced restrictions, has been critical with regional giants such as iQIYI restyling Chinese entertainment traditions. This research aims to uncover the determinants guiding cinephile choices by analysing demographic variables, technological advancements and consumption patterns. Through a survey in Tier II cities, data from 656 participants were analysed to determine the OTT platform and cinema usage. The findings reveal nuanced trends: females slightly favour OTT platforms, while males prefer traditional cinemas. Young adults aged 21 to 25 years are the most active users of both platforms, with education level slightly affecting usage. Smartphone usage is widespread, with 70% accessing OTT platforms via mobile. While 40% view OTT platforms as challenging traditional cinemas, 65% view OTT platforms in the future. Key factors influencing future cinema-going include OTT platform accessibility and time constraints—over 80% expressed satisfaction with their cinema experiences, with peak seasons significantly impacting ticket prices. Comedy, drama and action genres were most popular among cinemagoers, each with over 60% preference. These findings imply that the future of film consumption in China will likely be shaped by the balance and integration of OTT platforms and traditional cinema experiences.

Abstract 4134962: Association between Chronotype and Psychological Health in South Korean Adolescents

Background: Chronotype influences general health, with late chronotypes often linked to psychological problems. However, longitudinal studies on this topic are limited. This study assessed the association between chronotype and adolescent mental health, focusing on depression and somatic symptoms through cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Methods: This longitudinal study used data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS), targeting middle school students aged 13. Participants were assessed annually over four years (2018-2021). Chronotype was determined by analyzing sleep onset and wake times. Depression and somatic symptoms were evaluated using preexisting questionnaires like the SCL-90. Multilevel linear regression analyses were conducted both concurrently and prospectively, with gender stratification. Covariates included sleep quality, physical activity, smartphone usage, breakfast and friendship. Results: The study included 1,882 students who completed all follow-ups. Students with a late chronotype, short sleep duration, and low sleep quality reported more mental health symptoms. Late chronotype was associated with higher levels of depression (β=0.062, p<.001) and somatic symptoms (β=0.056, p=.018) within the same year, and predicted somatic symptoms one year later (β=0.055, p=.019). For males, insufficient sleep worsened the effects of late chronotype on depression one year later (β=0.100, p=.042), and late chronotype predicted somatic symptoms one year later (β=0.072, p=.024). In females, late chronotype was associated with depression (β=0.061, p=.025) and somatic symptoms (β=0.075, p=.005) within the same year but did not predict future symptoms. Conclusions: Late chronotype negatively impacted depression and somatic symptoms and predicted future somatic symptoms. In females, late chronotype was related only to current mental health issues, whereas in males, it predicted future mental health problems, especially when combined with insufficient sleep. These findings highlight the impact of chronotype on adolescent mental health and suggest that its negative effects can be moderated by factors like sleep duration.

Modeling and understanding the impact of COVID-19 containment policies on mobile service consumption in French cities

Amid recent studies that have been exploring the wide impact that COVID-19 containment policies have had across sectors and industries, we investigate how mobility restrictions enacted in French cities during the later stages of the pandemic have affected the usage of smartphones and mobile applications. Leveraging a large-scale dataset of over 14 billion records, we unveil and quantify the substantial incidence of the different measures enforced in urban France to combat the COVID-19 epidemic on mobile service consumption. We present a simple but effective spatial linear model that can relate changes occurring at fine-grained spatial zoning in both global and per-service traffic to a limited set of socioeconomic indicators. Our model unveils some of the mechanisms that drove the significant evolution of mobile data traffic demands during the pandemic. It allows observing how the demand for mobile services has been affected by COVID-19 in very different ways across urban areas characterized by diverse population density, income levels and leisure area presence. It also discloses that usages of individual smartphone applications have been impacted in highly heterogeneous ways by the pandemic, even more so when considering the composite impacts of different transitions between periods characterized by diverse restrictions. Our results can aid governments in understanding how their measures were received across the space and different portions of population, and network operators to comprehend changes in usage due to extraordinary events, which can be used to optimize service provisioning.

Psychometric evaluation and measurement invariance of the problematic smartphone use scale among college students: A national survey of 130 145 participants.

Given the insufficient validation of previously imported smartphone addiction scales in China, this study revised and evaluated the Problematic Smartphone Use Scale among Chinese college students (PSUS-C). We based our research on a national sample comprising 1324 higher education institutions and 130 145 participants. Using cross-sectional data, comprehensive methods were employed to examine validity, reliability and measurement invariance. The final scale consists of 20 items across four dimensions: withdrawal and loss of control, negative impact, salience behaviors and excessive use. All Heterotrait-Monotrait (HTMT) values were below 0.85, and the lower 90% and upper 95% confidence intervals were also below 0.85, except for factors 1 and 3. The amount of variance (AVE) values were greater than 0.5, composite reliability (ω) values exceeded 0.89 and all factor loadings were above 0.5. The criterion validity was supported as expected: problematic smartphone usage positively correlated with depression (r = 0.451), loneliness (8 items, r = 0.455), loneliness (6 items, r = 0.504), social media use (r = 0.614) and phone usage duration (r = 0.148); and negatively correlated with life satisfaction (r = -0.218) and self-esteem (r = -0.416). Across sex, type of university and place of residence, the measurement invariance performed well, with most changes in root mean square error of approximation (ΔRMSEA), comparative fit index (ΔCFI) and Tucker-Lewis index (ΔTLI) values being less than 0.005, and no indicator showing a difference greater than 0.010. The Problematic Smartphone Use Scale for College Students (PSUS-C) demonstrated good factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, discriminant validity and criterion validity. Strict and structural invariance were demonstrated across sex, type of university and place of residence. The PSUS-C has the potential to assess smartphone addiction among Chinese university students.

"Nomophobia: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Impact on Academic Performance Among Nursing Students"

BackgroundThe literature offers limited and conflicting evidence regarding the prevalence, associated factors, and impact of nomophobia on nursing students' academic performance. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate these aspects among nursing students. MethodA cross-sectional design and convenience sampling method were used to recruit 500 nursing students. Data were collected using a demographic information form and a nomophobia questionnaire. Students were categorized into two groups based on their previous semester grade point average (GPA): strong (GPA > 15) and weak (GPA ≤ 15). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including the chi-square test and linear regression, were used for data analysis in SPSS-18 software. ResultsThe study found a considerable prevalence of nomophobia (approximately 80%) among nursing students. Significant differences in nomophobia scores were observed based on gender and primary smartphone usage. However, no statistically significant difference was found in mean nomophobia scores between strong and weak students, nor was there a significant correlation between nomophobia scores and academic performance. ConclusionThis study highlights the high prevalence of nomophobia among nursing students and its potential implications for their physical and mental well-being. Although no significant association was found between nomophobia and academic performance, educating students about the potential risks of nomophobia and encouraging responsible smartphone use remains crucial. Future research should focus on developing interventions and preventive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of nomophobia.

Patient Experiences with a Smartphone Application dedicated to postoperative recovery after Elective Arthroplasty

IntroductionIn the rapidly evolving landscape of digital health technologies, the widespread use of smartphones has paved the way for innovative applications designed to enhance healthcare experiences. This introduction underscores the global prevalence of smartphone users and their potential in healthcare, particularly exemplified by therapeutic apps such as the ‘PostOp’ smartphone application. Focused on postoperative support, this app prioritises user-friendly design, data recording, and adherence to national standards. The study aims to evaluate the app's success in achieving these objectives, highlighting its continuous improvement based on real user feedback and its potential impact on improving patient experiences and recovery processes. Methods and MaterialsA cohort of elective joint arthroplasty procedure patients at Kettering General Hospital (KGH), spanning a timeframe of one to 12 months post-surgery were surveyed over the telephone regarding their experience of the ‘Post Op’ smartphone utilising a custom, well-structured standardised questionnaire. ResultsThe study surveyed 42 consecutive patients who had undergone elective joint arthroplasty procedures at Kettering General Hospital, including 22 total hip replacement (THR) and 20 total knee replacement (TKR) patients. The respondents, with a median age of 66 years, provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about the ‘Post Op’ smartphone application. On a scale of 1 to 6, the mean ease-of-use score was 5.31, with only two THR patients providing lower scores due to difficulties with photography. However, the app's overall functionality, particularly in uploading photos, received a mean score of 4.78. Despite some technical issues, 97.6% of respondents would recommend the app, emphasising its positive impact on confidence in the recovery and reducing unnecessary healthcare visits. Narrative responses highlighted the app's simplicity, support, and prompt communication with healthcare teams. Overall, the feedback indicates a high level of satisfaction with the ‘Post Op’ application among elective arthroplasty patients, showcasing its potential benefits for postoperative care. ConclusionThe study provides valuable insights into the impact of the ‘Post Op’ smartphone application on postoperative care, acknowledging both its successes and areas for enhancement. Further research and iterative improvements are crucial for optimising patient experiences and ensuring the app aligns effectively with healthcare needs.

A Study on Determine How Mobile Apps can Help Promote the Growth of the Fashion Industry

The usage of smartphones has increased after covid-19 for many purposes, including shopping. Hence raising awareness about online shopping apps and their advantages to the general public will pave the way to increases sales, which leads to economic development. Technology breakthroughs and shifting customer behavior are driving a major transition in the fashion business. This paper looks at how mobile applications can help the fashion industry increase sales, improve brand engagement, and streamline processes. Nowadays, due to stiff competitor that prevails in the fashion industry, there has been a tremendous increase in the usage of social media, and the promotion of various mobile shopping apps creates a zest for processing the product. The study’s main goal is to determine how mobile apps can help promote the growth of the fashion industry. The main advantage of using mobile apps is that it saves time, and customers can always the information about different products and make comparisons easily. The study is useful for manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and various distribution channels of the utilize mobile platforms and increase their sales and profits. We identify important characteristics of successful fashion apps, including social integration, augmented reality functions, and tailored purchasing experiences, using a mixed-methods approach incorporating case studies and survey data. According to our research, mobile applications help organizations make wise decisions by enhancing consumer satisfaction and loyalty as well as offering useful data analytics. The report offers suggestions at the end on how fashion companies might use mobile technology to achieve long-term growth.

Peran Kecanduan Smartphone dan Stres Akademik Terhadap Kualitas Tidur pada Mahasiswa

Sleep is a fundamental necessity that must be met by every individual, including students. Poor sleep patterns among students can have significant impacts on both their physical and psychological well-being. Therefore, students must pay attention to their sleep habits to ensure they achieve high-quality rest. Quality sleep refers to a state in which a person experiences restful and restorative sleep, leaving them feeling refreshed and energized upon waking. Factors such as smartphone addiction and academic stress have been shown to affect sleep quality. This study aims to examine the influence of smartphone addiction and academic stress on sleep quality among students at a university in Pekanbaru. The study's participants consisted of 250 students aged between 17 and 24 years, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using scales that measured sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and academic stress, and were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results indicated that both smartphone addiction and academic stress significantly impacted sleep quality (R=0.521; R2=0.271; F=45.92; p<0.01). Achieving good sleep quality is more feasible when smartphone usage is kept in moderation and emotional regulation is well-managed.

Teachers’ Perspectives Toward Smartphone Usage by Students and Resulting Classroom Policies

Currently, 95% of American teenagers own a smartphone device, and smartphone users spend on average about 5.4 hours a day on them. Smartphone ownership, usage, and dependency are higher among teens and young adults than in any other age group. This study addressed a gap in research by examining high school teachers’ perspectives on two topics: the impact of smartphone usage on students and classroom smartphone policies. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the social, psychological, and academic effects of smartphone use on students and of the impact of teachers’ beliefs surrounding smartphones on the classroom policies they set regarding those devices. In addition, this study aimed to shed light on the need to create effective and equitable smartphone policies and practices to help promote a classroom environment conducive to learning. Survey data from 248 teachers from six high schools in the Southern California region of the United States of America produced results indicating that teachers who have stronger negative beliefs concerning the social, psychological and academic effects of smartphones on students typically set a stricter classroom smartphone policy. Implications include helping students regulate their smartphone usage so that these devices can be effective tools for learning, not a distraction. Based on the findings from this study, an increase in face-to-face social interactions among students is recommended to increase academic achievement and decrease problematic smartphone use.

Evaluating a German learning disorders platform using the RE-AIM framework

In recent years, online platforms have made educational, medical, and other professional content easily accessible, but research evaluating such platforms is still scarce. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate LONDI, a German learning disorders platform. The platform offers scientifically based information for different user groups, and an algorithm-based help system that professionals can use to facilitate diagnosing and planning interventions. The evaluation is focused on the user group of learning therapists using the platform and its help system. It is theoretically grounded on the RE-AIM framework and assesses four of its dimensions: Reach, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance. Results from an online questionnaire (N = 496) showed that the platform reaches a large proportion of learning therapists. Another online questionnaire (N = 150) revealed that most users say they would adopt the help system, and this is predicted by its pragmatic qualities. Data from the Matomo web analytics software (N = 8,459 online visits) displayed diverse patterns in the platform’s implementation. Future research is needed to further examine their meaning in the context of health-related education. Web analytics also revealed that usage patterns are not maintained. Rather, there is an increase in the number of users and in smartphone usage over time, coinciding with a decrease in the average time spent on the platform. Consequently, future efforts will be dedicated to optimizing smartphone compatibility. This study is the first to utilize the RE-AIM framework with web analytics, paving the way for further theory-grounded platform evaluations.

7.N. Round table: Social media & smartphones: Threats to child & adolescent health and public health solutions

Abstract The daily lives of children and adolescents in 2024 are heavily influenced by social media and smartphones, which is unprecedented in previous generations. While this technology offers undoubted benefits, there is strong evidence on the negative effects of social and cognitive development of infants and primary school aged children, and mental health impacts in adolescents including depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, addictive behaviours and self-harm. Internet companies are financially incentivised to maximise screen time of users to generate advertising revenue, and more time spent by young people on these devices in a largely unregulated online domain increases risk of consequences like bullying and harassment, body dysmorphia, gambling addiction, porn addiction, sexual predation and suicide. Comprehensive solutions are urgently needed to regulate the activities of social media and tech companies and support young people to protect themselves from serious harms. Governments have been slow to introduce policies such as smartphone bans or enhanced privacy laws, perhaps because they are perceived as unpopular infringements on the rights of adult users and/or due to a potential detrimental effect on commercial interests. Guidance can be disseminated to young people, schools, families and institutions on how to reduce screen time and smartphone addiction, and improve coping and self-regulation to mitigate these risks. Information campaigns with positive health messages in this area, to compete with the advertising dominance of social media companies, are another opportunity to improve behaviours and reduce adverse health effects. The objectives of this round table workshop are to share examples of strategies, guidance and policies from across Europe, and discuss with the audience how the public health community can collaborate to tackle this problem. Members of the EUPHA Child and Adolescent Public Health (CAPH) section will outline the latest available evidence on the negative impacts of social media and screens, present examples of innovative public health responses and strategies to protect children, and engage conference participants for their input and discussion. Five panellists will present. First, John will start with a quiz of the audience which will include presentation of current data and trends relating to social media and smartphone usage. The second presentation by Cecilia will highlight in detail evidence of both benefits and adverse effects of these technologies in the lives of young people. The third speaker Karin will discuss examples of effective policies to reduce this impact, with a focus on the role of schools. The fourth speaker Jean will give further examples of public health actions, and share recommendations directly from children and young people. The fifth panellist Silja will re-quiz the audience, to gauge the reaction and support of solutions that were covered, and this will lead into the interactive discussion. Key messages • Popularity of smartphones and social media has increased dramatically in recent years, particularly among minors, with significant impacts on mental and physical health. • Public health solutions are urgently needed, and this workshop will share examples of effective innovative responses in European contexts, followed by an interactive audience discussion.

Accurate detection of gait events using neural networks and IMU data mimicking real-world smartphone usage

Wearable technologies such as inertial measurement units (IMUs) can be used to evaluate human gait and improve mobility, but sensor fixation is still a limitation that needs to be addressed. Therefore, aim of this study was to create a machine learning algorithm to predict gait events using a single IMU mimicking the carrying of a smartphone. Fifty-two healthy adults (35 males/17 females) walked on a treadmill at various speeds while carrying a surrogate smartphone in the right hand, front right trouser pocket, and right jacket pocket. Ground-truth gait events (e.g. heel strikes and toe-offs) were determined bilaterally using a gold standard optical motion capture system. The tri-dimensional accelerometer and gyroscope data were segmented in 20-ms windows, which were labelled as containing or not the gait events. A long-short term memory neural network (LSTM-NN) was used to classify the 20-ms windows as containing the heel strike or toe-off for the right or left legs, using 80% of the data for training and 20% of the data for testing. The results demonstrated an overall accuracy of 92% across all phone positions and walking speeds, with a slightly higher accuracy for the right-side predictions (∼94%) when compared to the left side (∼91%). Moreover, we found a median time error <3% of the gait cycle duration across all speeds and positions (∼77 ms). Our results represent a promising first step towards using smartphones for remote gait analysis without requiring IMU fixation, but further research is needed to enhance generalizability and explore real-world deployment.

Non-health-targeted promotions and step counts of smartphone-based mall walking program users

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic changed lifestyles and raised concerns regarding physical inactivity among adults. Mobile health interventions for physical activity may be a potential solution. However, the effects may diminish over time. This study investigated whether incorporating non-health-targeted promotions into an existing mobile health-walking program could stimulate users to walk. Methods We used nationwide cohort data of smartphone users participating in a shopping mall walking program in Japan. We focused on existing users registered in the program until October 31, 2022. A Japanese anime tie-in promotion was conducted by the shopping mall company from December 3 to 25, 2022, offering additional rewards alongside the regular program. We collected step count records of existing users 1 month before and after (November 1 to December 2, 2022, and December 26, 2022 to January 31, 2023, respectively), and during the promotion period. Propensity score matching was applied to ensure balance in the baseline characteristics of existing users in terms of gender, age, and pre-promotion program participation frequency. Next, we analyzed the association between participation in the promotion program and the average daily step counts during and after the promotional period using mixed effects models for repeated measures, while adjusting for the same covariates. Results Among the 18,156 users included in the study, 13,386 (73.7%) were women, with a mean (SD) age of 45.2 (12.7) years, and a mean (SD) pre-promotion program participation frequency of 9.7 (9.6) per month. During the promotion period, the participants walked 87 (95% CI: 50-125) more steps per day than non-participants, after adjusting for covariates. No clear association was observed 1 month post-promotion. Conclusions These findings indicate that non-health-targeted promotions may be short-term motivators for existing app users to walk. Ongoing monitoring is necessary to assess the long-term impact. Key messages • Mobile health intervention effects may diminish over time. • A non-health-related promotion could stimulate existing mall walking program app users to increase their daily step count temporarily.

Digital Disruption in Indian Retail: Trends, Opportunities, And Challenges

This research paper examines the significant growth and transformation of the Indian Retail Industry, now ranked as the fifth-largest globally. This expansion is driven by rising incomes, shifting middle-class lifestyles, and improved digital connectivity. In this competitive environment, Indian consumers increasingly demand personalized and exceptional services. Digital transformation is identified as a key success factor, enabling retailers to adapt to changing customer behaviors. The surge in online shopping, propelled by smartphone usage, has reshaped the consumer-retailer dynamic, necessitating robust online presences and investments in data analytics for better customer insights. Transparency in supply chains and real-time inventory management have become essential for effective retail operations. The paper highlights key digital transformation trends, such as digitized in-store experiences and workforce empowerment, while acknowledging challenges like change management, skill shortages, and data security risks. Retailers are advised to implement change management strategies, develop talent acquisition plans, and invest in cybersecurity to ensure sustainable growth.

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.

Viewing distance, font size and symptoms of eyestrain in non-presbyopic and presbyopic smartphone users.

Smartphones are the most frequently used digital devices globally with ~6.80 billion users. Despite the ubiquitous use of smartphones, limited information is known on the preferred viewing distance and font size of smartphone users. This study investigated viewing distance, font sizeand symptoms of eyestrain in non-presbyopic and presbyopic smartphone users. In this quantitative research study, viewing distance and font size were measured in a group of non-presbyopes (n = 107) and presbyopes (n = 53), whilst participants viewed a text message and a web page on their own smartphone. Subjects also responded to a verbal questionnaire related to the characteristics of their smartphone and the computer vision syndrome questionnaire to assess symptoms of eyestrain. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. For the total sample, the mean viewing distance for a text message was 37.13 ± 8.82 cm (median 36.00 cm), and for a web page was 36.11 ± 7.98 cm (median 36.00 cm). Presbyopes had longer median viewing distances compared with non-presbyopes for a text message (41 cm vs. 34 cm, p < 0.001) and web page (40 cm vs. 34 cm, p < 0.001). The font size for non-presbyopes were <1.0 M whilst for presbyopes were >1.2 M. More than twice the percentage of non-presbyopes were classified with digital eyestrain (DES) compared with presbyopes. Non-presbyopes used shorter viewing distances, smaller font sizes and were more predisposed to DES than presbyopes. The viewing distances adopted by presbyopes were similar to the conventional near-working distance of 40 cm. Eye care practitioners should consider viewing distances when assessing near-visual functions and prescribing a near refractive correction, particularly in non-presbyopes. There should be greater awareness of the importance of adopting appropriate viewing distances when using smartphones.