The relationship of smartphone addiction with depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students

Abstract

Introduction: An increasing amount of research has shown a link between psychopathological behaviors such as smartphone addiction, depression, anxiety, and stress. The aim of this study was to assess the association of smartphone addiction with depression, anxiety, and stress. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 26th January and 3rd March 2021. The sample was chosen using a convenient sampling technique and Raosoft tool. The survey assessed smartphone addiction using abbreviated versions of the Addiction Scale Short Version, a self-administered questionnaire that has been validated in the English and Arabic languages. Also, Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale was used to measure the level of depression, anxiety, and stress among the university students. Results: A total of 367 university students from the Medical and Health Sciences College participated. Our findings showed that smartphone addiction exhibited positive correlations with depression ( r = 0.375, p < 0.01), anxiety ( r = 0.253, p < 0.01), and stress ( r = 0.328, p < 0.05). In addition, there was a strong positive correlation between depression and both anxiety and stress ( r = 0.731, p < 0.01) ( r = 0.778, p < 0.01), respectively. Finally, stress and anxiety showed a positive correlation ( r = 0.708, p < 0.01). Conclusion: When combined, our data offer strong support for a bidirectional hybrid theory that takes into account the link between smartphone addiction and depression, anxiety, and stress. The current study’s findings might assist national health authorities in strengthening their efforts to prevent depression, anxiety, and stress associated with the use of modern technology.