The Association of Smartphone Addiction and Incidence of High Stress and Sleep Problems Among Young Population

Background: The prevalence of Smartphone usage is steadily rising, leading to the development of addiction like behavior underlying many health problems. This study examined the potential relationship between Smartphone addiction, incidence of stress and poor sleep among young population pursuing academics. Method: The randomized control study was conducted among 356 University student respondents willing to take part in the study. The age and sex matched population were tested for Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SASSV) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: The Smartphone users were 98.87% among the young population (n=356), in which prevalence of Smartphone addiction was as high as 22.3%, where phone usage was more than 4 hours per day. The results showed mean age of population was 21.91± 1.99, the mean SASSV score was 18.26±4.68, phone usage was 6.5± 2.14, PSS score was 37.9±9.56 and PSQI score was 18.03±1.45. The phone usage pattern was, more than 50% for social media followed by online games, education tutorials and texting. The PSS score was high in female when compared to male students. The sleep quality was 2.5% lower for females and high in males. The study observed significant correlation between Smartphone addiction, perceived stress and poor sleep quality. Linear regression analysis revealed sleep quality was significantly affected by Smartphone addiction score and phone usage hours; other activities included in the study were academic performance, sports activity and parent’s education. Conclusion: The findings contribute valuable insights into the addictive nature of Smartphone usage among young population; this factor may develop mental stress and reduces sleep and may affect ones physical and mental health at very young age, the study also finds present lifestyle lack physical activities, among young population specially in females, which may be helpful in restoration of sleep.