Smartphone Addiction among University Students

Introduction Excessive smartphone usage has raised concerns about addiction and its potential detrimental effects on students' mental health and academic performance. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 343 nursing, physiotherapy, and midwifery students at the University of Shkodra using a 10-item online questionnaire to assess smartphone use, dependence, and related behaviors. Data were collected in January and February 2025. Analyses included exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical OLS regression using SPSS 19. Results All students reported using smartphones; 48.1% used their phones for 4–6 hours daily, consistent with global trends of increasing smartphone addiction. About 50.4% used smartphones primarily for social media, research, news, and entertainment. A strong emotional attachment was evident, with 84.6% experiencing anxiety or distress when without their phones. Physical symptoms were also reported, with 23% experiencing wrist or neck pain due to prolonged use, underscoring the importance of ergonomic awareness. Discussion The findings reflect global trends in student smartphone overuse, with emotional dependence and physical strain being the most prominent concerns. In Albania, limited student support and digital literacy may intensify reliance on smartphones as coping tools, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Conclusions Students at the University of Shkodra exhibit growing smartphone dependence that affects their daily life and well-being. Both mental distress and physical discomfort highlight potential health risks linked to smartphone addiction.