Smartphone addiction among medical students in the University of Monastir, Tunisia

Abstract Background Smartphone addiction is a global mental health issue with diverse psychological and socioeconomic concerns. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of smartphone addiction and its associated factors among medical students in the university of Monastir, Tunisia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among medical students of the faculty of medicine of Monastir in October 2020. The data were collected through a self-administered anonymous questionnaire that included the SAS-SV scale to assess smartphone addiction levels. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors. The threshold of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results A total of 626 medical students participated in this study, with an average age of 21.76 ± 3.12 years and a sex ratio of 0.41. The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 30.2% (95% CI: 26.0% - 33.79%). Associated factors with smartphone addiction included academic repetition(OR = 4.30; 95% CI [1.38 - 13.42]), fast food consumption scores (OR = 1.55; 95% CI [1.21 - 2.00]),addiction to the Facebook social network (OR = 6.36; 95% CI [1.92 - 21.07]), cohabitation with colleagues (OR = 2.13; 95% CI [1.03- 4.43]), cohabitation with family members(OR = 2.10; 95% CI [1.01 - 4.36]) and stress level (OR = 1.13; 95% CI [1.07 - 1.18]). Conclusions This study identified associations between smartphone overuse and other behavioral and mental health indicators. Based on these findings, several interventions should be undertaken to address this growing concern. Key messages • The prevalence of smartphone addiction among medical students in the University of Monastir was 30.2% (95% CI: 26.0% – 33.79%). • The main associated factors with smartphone addiction were academic repetition, fast food consumption, addiction to Facebook, cohabitation with colleagues and with family members and stress level.