The Effect of Smartphone Over-Dependence and Communication Skills on the Mental Health Levels of Health College Students

Objectives The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting the mental health levels of health college students related to smartphone over-dependence and communication skills. This study attempts to provide foundational data to develop programs that aim to improve the mental health levels of health college students. Methods The participants of the study were 276 first and second-year health science students enrolled at a college located in J Province from September 18, 2023, to October 31, 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Scheffé tests, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results The mental health levels of health science students showed a significant positive correlation with smartphone over-dependence (r = .322, p < .001) and a significant negative correlation with communication skills (r = -.215, p < .001). hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that general characteristics, such as college life satisfaction and health status, significantly affected mental health levels. Smartphone over-dependence (β = .25, p < .001) also had a significant impact, with these variables explaining 21.9% of the variance. Conclusions This study confirmed that smartphone over-dependence is a factor affecting the mental health levels of health college students. To improve the mental health levels of health college students, it is necessary to develop and apply educational programs that can reduce and prevent smartphone over-dependence.