SMARTPHONE ADDICTION AND ANXIETY AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN KERALA
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Keywords
Smartphone addiction, anxiety, medical students, mental health, Kerala
Abstract
With increasing availability of smartphones in our society, there is an increasing concern about its excessive use and addiction. Problematic smartphone use can have a negative impact on mental health and excessive use can lead to poor academic performance. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of smartphone addiction (SPA) and its association with anxiety among medical students in Kerala. A cross-sectional study was done among 261 medical students of Kerala using an online questionnaire in the google form. Problematic smartphone use (PSU) was assessed using Smartphone Addiction Scale – Short Version (SAS-SV). The presence of anxiety was assessed using a screening tool, Generalised Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7). The prevalence of smartphone addiction was estimated, and its association with the anxiety was assessed. The study shows that problematic smartphone usage is present in 110 (42%) of the participants studied and anxiety in 40 (15%) participants. The comparative analysis reveals that there is a significant association between smartphone addiction and anxiety, with an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 3.69 (95% CI: 1.70 - 7.98), p-value <0.001. The study identifies the significant association between smartphone addiction and anxiety. In the digital era, PSU and mental health is considered a major public health concern needing targeted intervention. Future studies should be done focusing on the long-term effect of smartphone addiction, its effect on the mental health and the effectiveness of interventions.
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Dr Sreelal T P
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Dr Moopen’s Medical College, Wayanad, India
Mr. Adwaith Nair
Final year MBBS Student, Dr Moopen’s Medical College, Wayanad, India,
Dr Abhinand Sai MB
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Dr Moopen’s Medical College, Wayanad, India
Mr. Advaith Murali
Final year MBBS Student, Dr Moopen’s Medical College, Wayanad, India
Ms. Adithya Vijay
Final year MBBS Student, Dr Moopen’s Medical College, Wayanad, India
Ms. Adya Sasidharan
Final year MBBS Student, Dr Moopen’s Medical College, Wayanad, India
Ms. Agnes Mariya Sabu
Final year MBBS Student, Dr Moopen’s Medical College, Wayanad, India,