Smartphone Usage and Addiction among Undergraduate Dental Students in South India: A Cross-sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Public Health Dentistry, St. Joseph Dental College, Duggirala, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India

2 GMC, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India

10.34172/ahj.1546

Abstract

Background: Mobile phones have become a vital part of modern life, generating concerns about addiction among students. The 
present study aimed to assess smartphone usage and addiction among undergraduate dental students in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 304 dental students using a pre-designed questionnaire based on the 
Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV). Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings: Out of 304 participants, most spent 3–4 hours on smartphones. Females showed slightly lower addiction scores than 
males. Addiction tendencies differed across different academic years, with second-year students scoring the highest.
Conclusion: The study’s findings suggested that most dental students were addicted to smartphones. The study also revealed that 
having a smartphone was a crucial asset in their daily lives, and they preferred smartphones with advanced features. 

Highlights

Muthyala Pavana Sandhya: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Prasanth Tumarada: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Brahmaiah Pulicherla: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Anuhya Medapati: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Keywords


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