Problematic Smartphone Use and its Relationship with Depression, Anxiety, and Usage Time Among University Students

Abstract

The present study aims to relate problematic mobile phone use with sociodemographic, mental health, and daily usage variables in Peruvian university students pursuing health-related programs. The sample was studied using bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of problematic use. The results showed a high prevalence of problematic smartphone use in males and in students with symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially at mild and moderate levels. The multivariate analysis showed that students who used their cell phones for more than 8 hours per day and presented symptoms of depression and anxiety had a significantly higher risk of developing problematic cell phone use; furthermore, high perceived efficiency in cell phone use was significantly associated with this problem. The present research is justified by the increasing prevalence of problematic smartphone use among university students and its potential impact on mental health. The study contributes to both the field of digital communication and health psychology by examining technological, sociodemographic, and emotional variables in an integrated manner. It is concluded that not only is there evidence of digital health problems among university students, but that criteria for intervention are also needed: usage time ?8 hours, presence of mild to moderate anxiety or depression among university students.