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01-12-2021 | Insomnia | Research

Smartphone addiction and associated factors among postgraduate students in an Arabic sample: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Asem A. Alageel, Rayyan A. Alyahya, Yasser A. Bahatheq, Norah A. Alzunaydi, Raed A. Alghamdi, Nader M Alrahili, Roger S. McIntyre, Michelle Iacobucci

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Smartphone addiction, as with other behavioral addictions, is associated with social, physical, and mental health issues. In this article, we investigated the prevalence of smartphone addiction among postgraduate students and evaluated its correlation with social demographics, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and nicotine dependence.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of smartphone addiction among Middle Eastern postgraduate students, determine the factors associated with smartphone addiction, and estimate the incidence rate of major depressive disorder (MDD), ADHD, insomnia, and nicotine addiction among postgraduate students with smartphone addiction.

Methods

As part of a cross-sectional online survey, participants were given a self-questionnaire divided into six sections: Socio-demographics, Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) for Depression, Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence Questionnaire (FTCd), and the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1).

Results

Of the 506 patients, 51.0% of the participants demonstrated smartphone addiction. A significant association was also observed between extensive smartphone use and MDD (P = 0.001). Of the smokers in this study, 41.5% were addicted to smartphones (P = 0.039). Smartphone addicts had approximately two times the chance of having insomnia (OR = 2.113) (P = 0.013). In addition, they showcased more ADHD symptoms (OR = 2.712) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We found a positive association among insomnia, depression, adult ADHD, and smartphone addiction, which confirms the findings reported in the previous studies. Therefore, we encourage the scientific community to further study the impacts of smartphone addiction on the mental health of postgraduate students.

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Title: Smartphone addiction and associated factors among postgraduate students in an Arabic sample: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Asem A. Alageel
Rayyan A. Alyahya
Yasser A. Bahatheq
Norah A. Alzunaydi
Raed A. Alghamdi
Nader M Alrahili
Roger S. McIntyre
Michelle Iacobucci
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Insomnia
Addiction
Mood Disorders
Addiction
Affective Disorder
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03285-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Smartphone addiction and associated factors among postgraduate students in an Arabic sample: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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