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Abstract
Background: The rapid increase in smartphone use presents mental health challenges for students, particularly those in health-science fields facing high academic demands. This study examined the prevalence of smartphone addiction and its relationship with anxiety and depression among nursing students at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen University. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) assess the prevalence of smartphone addiction among nursing students at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen University; (2) examine the association between smartphone addiction and anxiety and depression among these students, including factors related to excessive smartphone use. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between March and September 2025 at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen University. A convenience sample of 403 nursing students participated. The Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV) measured smartphone addiction, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) assessed anxiety and depression. Data analyzed with SPSS 20.0 using descriptive statistics and appropriate tests for associations. Results: Among the 403 students, the prevalence of smartphone addiction was 16.1% (65/403). Most students (83.6%) reported using smartphones for ≥ 4 hours/day. The primary reasons for use were entertainment (53.8%), social networking (30.3%), and studying (14.6%). K10 classifications were: no anxiety and depression 44.9%, mild 36.5%, moderate 9.2%, and severe 9.4%. Smartphone addiction rates increased with the severity of anxiety and depression levels: no anxiety and depression (2.2%), mild (14.3%), moderate (40.5%), and severe (65.8%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that students with anxiety and depression had significantly higher odds of smartphone addiction (OR = 16.8; 95% CI: 5.97 - 47.1; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Smartphone addiction among nursing students is prevalent, and it is associated with anxiety and depression. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance psychological counseling, promote smartphone time management, improve sleep quality, and evaluate prevention strategies.
| Published | 2025-12-31 | |
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| Issue | Vol. 4 No. 5 (2025) | |
| Section | Original article | |
| DOI | 10.66517/jstmp.2025.5.5 | |
| Keywords | Sử dụng điện thoại thông minh, Nghiện điện thoại thông minh, Lo âu, Trầm cảm, Sinh viên điều dưỡng Smartphone use, Smartphone addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Nursing students |
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