Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Feb 21, 2022
Date Accepted: Apr 26, 2022
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Problematic Use of Smartphones Among Adults in Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey, December 2019 – February 2020
ABSTRACT
Background:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) ranks third, globally, in smartphone use. Smartphones have made many aspects of life easier. However, overuse of smartphones is associated with physical and psychosocial problems.
Objective:
We investigated the prevalence and associated factors of problematic use of smartphones among adults in the Qassim region, KSA.
Methods:
We enrolled 715 participants using cluster random sampling for this cross-sectional survey. We assessed problematic use of smartphones using the short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV).
Results:
We estimated the prevalence of problematic use of smartphones among adults at 64%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that students are three times likely to demonstrate problematic use than unemployed individuals (p<.05); adults using more than five apps are two times likely to demonstrate problematic use compared to those using a maximum of three apps (p<0.01). Protective factors against problematic use of smartphones includes using apps for academic (Odds Ratio: 0.66, p<0.05) or religious needs (OR: 0.55, p<0.01) and having a monthly family income of 5001 to 10000 SAR (OR: 0.46, p<0.05) or 10001 to 20000 SAR (OR: 0.51, p<0.05) compared to the <1501 SAR income group.
Conclusions:
We reported a very high prevalence of problematic use of smartphones in the KSA. Considering its negative impact on physical and psychosocial health, public health programs should develop preventive strategies.
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