Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Sleep Quality Among Medical Students Across Latin America: Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BackgroundThe ubiquitous use of mobile phones among medical students has been linked to potential health consequences, including poor sleep quality. ObjectiveThis study investigates the prevalence of mobile phone addiction and its association with sleep quality among medical students across 6 Latin American countries. MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted between December 2023 and March 2024 using a self-administered online survey. The survey incorporated the Mobile Phone Addiction Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to evaluate mobile phone addiction and sleep quality among 1677 medical students. A multiple regression model was applied to analyze the relationship between mobile phone addiction and poor sleep quality, adjusting for sex, age, and educational level to ensure robust results. ResultsMobile phone addiction was identified in 32.5% (545/1677) of participants, with significant differences across countries. The overall mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was 7.26, indicating poor sleep quality. Multiple regression analysis revealed a strong association between mobile phone addiction and poor sleep, controlled for demographic variables (β=1.4, 95% CI 1.05-1.74). ConclusionsThis study underscores a significant prevalence of mobile phone addiction among medical students and its detrimental association with sleep quality in Latin America. The findings advocate for the need to address mobile phone usage to mitigate its negative implications on student health and academic performance. Strategies to enhance digital literacy and promote healthier usage habits could benefit medical education and student well-being.