Association of risky behaviour, psychological changes and sleep quality with excessive smartphone use among medical undergraduates: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Smartphones have become essential in modern life. Overuse of smartphones has been increasingly reported and is recognised as a form of behavioural addiction. Excessive smartphone use is associated with several psychological symptoms, risky behaviour and poor sleep quality. This study evaluates the association of this among medical undergraduates. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India. The recruited participants were assessed using a self-report, semi-structured questionnaire that covered socio-demographic characteristics, smartphone use, adoption of risky behaviours, psychological changes and sleep quality. Results: Of the 224 medical students surveyed, 88 students (48 males and 40 females) had smartphone addiction and 186 reported using smartphones in risky or inappropriate situations. The most common risky behaviour was usage of smartphones while walking on the road (79.464%), followed by usage while crossing roads (37.500%). Guilt associated with excessive smartphone use was the most common psychological change in females (39.166%), whereas males reported anxiety in areas with poor network coverage (43.269%). Excessive smartphone use was associated with increased risky behaviours, poor psychological health, and poor sleep quality. Conclusions: Excessive smartphone usage has been linked to an increase in risky behaviours, poor psychological health and diminished sleep quality. By addressing excessive smartphone usage, we can tackle these issues and promote better mental health and wellbeing.