Examining the Relationship Between Smartphone Addiction and Depression, Sleep, Quality of Life, and Pain Among University Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between smartphone addiction and depression, sleep quality, quality of life, fear of contracting COVID-19 and increased pain in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Türkiye, 350 students studying at universities were included in the study. Smartphone addiction levels of students were measured with the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), and sleep quality and disorders were measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to measure depression status, and Short Form 36 (SF-36) was used to measure quality of life. A positive and low-level significant relationship was found between smartphone addiction and sleep quality and depression level (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between smartphone addiction and many parameters of the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale (P < 0.01). It was revealed that those with high smartphone addiction increased their pain more during the pandemic period (P < 0.05). It was determined that those who were afraid of contracting COVID-19 had higher smartphone addiction (P < 0.05). It was found that the increase in smartphone addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic period negatively affected the depression level, pain level, sleep quality, and quality of life of university students. It was also found that university students who are afraid of contracting COVID-19 have higher smartphone addictions. Our study raises awareness about the consequences of increasing smartphone addiction among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic period.