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01-12-2011 | Original Article

Problematic mobile phone use in adolescence: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Giovanni Martinotti, Corrado Villella, Domitilla Di Thiene, Marco Di Nicola, Pietro Bria, Gianluigi Conte, Maria Cassano, Filippo Petruccelli, Nicola Corvasce, Luigi Janiri, Giuseppe La Torre

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 6/2011

Abstract

Aim

In recent years, mobile phone use has become increasingly common among Italian youth, while a growing scientific literature has been identifying the occurrence of a problematic mobile phone use which seems to share some features of other conditions often referred to as behavioural addictions. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of problematic mobile phone use in a population of Italian adolescents and its association with other behavioural addictions.

Subjects and methods

The Mobile Addiction Test (MAT) was administered to 2,790 high school students from Barletta, an Italian town, together with the South Oaks Gambling Screen-Revised for Adolescents (SOGS-RA), the Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS), the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Work Addiction Risk Test (WART).

Results

MAT scores fitted a Gaussian distribution model. Scores ≥ 17 was found as a cut-off value over which identifying problematic mobile phone users. Overall prevalence of problematic mobile phone use was 6.3%; this condition was associated with other behavioural addictions like compulsive buying.

Conclusion

Problematic mobile phone use in adolescence should become a public health issue, and it could be a cause of health problems and social costs.

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Title: Problematic mobile phone use in adolescence: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Giovanni Martinotti
Corrado Villella
Domitilla Di Thiene
Marco Di Nicola
Pietro Bria
Gianluigi Conte
Maria Cassano
Filippo Petruccelli
Nicola Corvasce
Luigi Janiri
Giuseppe La Torre
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 6/2011
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-011-0422-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Problematic mobile phone use in adolescence: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

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