ASSOCIATION OF SMARTPHONE ADDICTION WITH DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS IN TWIN CITIES: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Smartphones have become an integral part of daily life, offering numerous benefits in communication, education, and professional development. However, excessive use can lead to smartphone addiction, a behavioral condition characterized by compulsive usage, withdrawal symptoms, and functional impairment. Among university students, particularly those in healthcare fields, the rising trend of smartphone dependency has raised concerns regarding its impact on academic performance, mental well-being, and social interactions. Understanding the demographic factors influencing smartphone addiction is essential for developing targeted intervention strategies. Objective: To assess the prevalence of smartphone addiction and examine its association with demographic variables, including age, gender, and academic year, among undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two nursing institutes in the twin cities of Pakistan. A total of 187 undergraduate nursing students were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), a validated instrument with high internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics and addiction levels. The chi-square test was applied to determine associations between smartphone addiction and demographic variables, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the participants, 105 (56.1%) were aged 18-21 years, and 82 (43.9%) were aged 22-25 years. Female students accounted for 117 (62.6%), while male students comprised 70 (37.4%). Addiction levels revealed that 132 (70.6%) exhibited moderate addiction, 29 (15.5%) had severe addiction, and 26 (13.9%) had mild addiction. A significant association was found between smartphone addiction and gender (p = 0.023), with males showing a higher prevalence of severe addiction (22.9%) than females (11.1%). Academic year also showed a significant correlation (p = 0.001), with second-year students demonstrating the highest rates of mild (27.0%) and severe addiction (20.6%). However, no significant association was observed between age and smartphone addiction (p = 0.070). Conclusion: This study highlights the widespread prevalence of moderate smartphone addiction among undergraduate nursing students and its significant association with gender and academic year. These findings underscore the need for targeted awareness programs and behavioral interventions to promote responsible smartphone usage. Collaborative efforts involving educators, administrators, and parents are essential in fostering digital well-being among future healthcare professionals.