Extent of Smartphone Addiction and its Association with Physical Activity Level, Anthropometric Indices, and Quality of Sleep in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Smartphone addiction among young adults is a growing concern that is often underestimated despite its significant health hazards. The objective of this study was to assess the extent of smartphone addiction and its association with physical activity level, anthropometric indices, and quality of sleep in young adults. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 allied health sciences undergraduates of a tertiary care medical school in Puducherry, South India. The participants’ extent of smartphone addiction, physical activity, and sleep quality were assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Anthropometric indices (body mass index [BMI], waist-to-hip [W: H] ratio, waist-to-height [W: Ht] ratio, Conicity Index, and A Body Shape Index [ABSI]) were also measured following standardized procedures. Correlations between smartphone addiction, physical activity, anthropometric indices, and sleep quality were evaluated using Pearson’s/Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Over 50% of participants showed smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality. Although a significant negative correlation was observed between SAS scores and physical activity levels, significant positive correlations were noted between SAS scores and BMI and SAS and PSQI scores. Conclusion: Smartphone addiction is associated with decreased physical activity, increased BMI, and poor sleep quality in young adults.