Smartphone Addiction and Depressive Symptoms among Urban Adolescents in India: A Cross-sectional Study

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. 2. Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Department of Paediatrics, CSI Holdsworth Memorial Mission Hospital, Mysore, Karnataka, India. 3. Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Department of Paediatrics, CSI Holdsworth Memorial Mission Hospital, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Abstract

Introduction: Smartphone use has increased rapidly among adolescents, raising concerns about excessive use and its association with mental health problems, particularly depression. This is particularly concerning during adolescence, a critical developmental period characterised by emotional, cognitive, and social changes that increase vulnerability to behavioural addictions. Excessive smartphone use may disrupt sleep, academic performance, and social interactions, potentially contributing to depressive symptoms.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of smartphone addiction among adolescent and examine its relationship with depressive symptoms.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,120 adolescents aged 15-18 years between March and December 2018, in the Department of Paediatrics, CSI Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore, Karnataka, India. Smartphone addiction was assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics were computed for SAS and PHQ-9 scores. Associations between smartphone addiction and demographic variables were analysed using Chi-square test. Non normal PHQ-9 distributions across age groups were examined using the Kruskal-Wallis test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A high prevalence of smartphone addiction was observed among the adolescents (86.7%), with males showing higher addiction levels than females. Participants in the high smartphone addiction group had significantly higher PHQ-9 scores and a greater proportion of moderate to severe depression compared with the low-use group (p-value <0.001).

Conclusion: Smartphone addiction was common in this adolescent population and showed a strong association with depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness, early identification, and targeted interventions to address problematic smartphone use among adolescents. Further longitudinal research is required to explore causal relationships and broader mental health implications.

Addictive, Adolescent behaviour, Behaviour, Mental wellbeing, Mobile phone use