A meta-analytic review of smartphone addiction prevalence in Chinese college students

While smartphone addiction is increasingly recognized as a concern among Chinese college students, reported prevalence estimates vary widely due to inconsistencies in methodology and assessment tools. To address this gap, the present meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive and generalizable estimate of smartphone addiction prevalence in this population. A systematic search of major Chinese and international databases was conducted up to January 2025. A total of 67 studies conducted in China, involving 129,996 college students, were synthesized using a random-effects model. The pooled prevalence was 28.49% (95% CI: 24.78–32.52%), indicating a high rate of smartphone addiction. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I2 = 99.4%, p < 0.001), and sensitivity analyses suggested a potentially higher prevalence. Prevalence remained consistently high across demographic subgroups and study designs, yet varied notably by measurement tools, data collection periods, and household economic background (p < 0.05). By systematically identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing relevant studies, this meta-analysis addresses existing methodological inconsistencies and produces a more reliable and generalizable estimate. Variability in assessment tools indicates the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, while differences by data collection period and household income suggest contextual and economic influences on addiction patterns. These findings reinforce the need for greater diagnostic consistency and continued research to inform effective intervention strategies.