Objectives:
We
aimed to measure problematic smartphone use frequency and it’s association with
sleep problems and psychiatric symptoms in a sample of university students.
Methods: The
data in the study was collected by using a sociodemographic data form, the
Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI),
the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI).
Results: Based
on the SAS median score, the participants were divided into two groups as the
low-level smartphone use (SAS score < 79) and the high-level smartphone use
(SAS score > 79) groups. In the high-level smartphone use group, general
sleep quality was lower, sleep latency was longer, scores of sleep disorder and
daytime dysfunction were higher as measured by PSQI and the BSI scores were
higher (p < 0.001). As a result of
the study, it was observed that, as smartphone use increased and became
problematic, sleep quality decreased, and daytime dysfunction and psychiatric
symptoms increased. SAS scores were positively correlated with both PSQI and
ESS scores. SAS score was found as a predictor of PSQI scores in the regression
analysis.
Conclusions: This study shows that the relationship
between problematic smartphone use and decreased sleep quality and increased
psychiatric symptomatology in university students is still an important public
health issue. Responsible and mindfull use of smartphones by the students
throughout the day may provide a positive effect on their sleep.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Psychiatry, Medical Physiology |
Journal Section | Original Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | November 4, 2020 |
Submission Date | March 11, 2019 |
Acceptance Date | May 6, 2019 |
Published in Issue | Year 2020 Volume: 6 Issue: 6 |