The association between smartphone addiction and thumb/wrist pain among medical students of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, A cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The past decade has witnessed a revolution in smartphones owing to their growing importance and various applications. However, excessive usage can lead to addiction and joint pain in the wrist/thumb area. Despite these negative effects, smartphones offer medical students access to the resources they need. Objective: To determine the association between smartphone addiction and thumb/wrist pain among undergraduate students of Jazan University. Methods: A cross-sectional self-administrated, online survey and online convenience sample technique was used. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Software. Results: This survey included 337 participants, of which two-thirds were female (66.8%) and the rest male (33.2%); 32.6% of the respondents were studying in the College of Medicine. Of the 337 participants, 32% reported experiencing pain in their wrists or at the back of their neck while using a smartphone. The study found an average Smartphone Addition Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) score of 32.5 ± 8.0 out of 50 and a total Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score of 48.8 ± 14.7, with a pain score of 13.3 ± 11.0 and a function score of 35.5 ± 11.7. The study also revealed a significant association between smartphone addiction and thumb/wrist pain (P value = 0.029), with females and students of the College of Applied Medical Science associated with higher SAS-SV scores, thereby indicating higher smartphone addiction. Conclusion: Significant correlation exists between smartphone addiction and thumb/wirst pain among medical students of Jazan University.