Dependence of mobile phone usage among medical students of private medical college in Puducherry: A cross-sectional analytical study

Background: Smartphones have made modern life more convenient and secure, but excessive use has adversely affected the health and academic performance of young adults. As smartphone addiction becomes more widespread, it is essential to understand its prevalence and the contributing factors. Aim and Objectives: To assess the prevalence of smartphone addiction and examine the usage patterns and influencing factors among medical students in a private college in Puducherry. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 students using a validated questionnaire, incorporating the SAS-SV, PSQI, PSS, MSPSS, and WHO-5. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed, and logistic regression was applied to identify key predictors. Results : Smartphone addiction was identified in 40.5% of students, with males demonstrating significantly higher rates. Addicted students were more likely to report poor academic outcomes, disturbed sleep, elevated stress, and diminished well- being. Stress (AOR = 31.55) and poor sleep quality (AOR = 2.46) emerged as the most significant predictors.Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of smartphone addiction among medical students, with clear academic and psychological consequences. These results highlight the need for timely identification and structured interventions to mitigate its harmful effects.