Smartphone Addiction and Physical activity Among Students of a Medical College in Bengaluru - A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Smartphones have become indispensable for medical students because of their various demands and comforts. The excessive use of smartphones may lead to addiction which can negatively affect physical and mental health including physical activity. The relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity needs to be explored. Hence this study assessed the magnitude of smartphone addiction and examined its association with physical activity among medical college students in Bengaluru.Objectives To assess smartphone addiction and its association with physical activity among Medical College students in Bengaluru.Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among students at a medical college in Bengaluru. The sample size was calculated as 382 and was approximated to 400. The smartphone addiction scale SAS-SV and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ were utilized to evaluate smartphone use and physical activity levels among medical students.Results Among 400 students 170 42.5 were found to have smartphone addiction. Smartphone addiction was identified to have a considerable correlation with physical activity. Gender type of family religion and duration of smartphone use showed significant association with addiction.Conclusion Nearly half of the students had a smartphone addiction. The notable link between smartphone addiction and physical activity raises important issues. Further comprehensive studies on smartphone addiction may help in formulating new strategies.