PriMera Scientific Medicine and Public Health (ISSN: 2833-5627)

Case Study

Volume 5 Issue 6

Association of Excessive Smartphone Use with Mental Health Disorders among Students of the University of Dschang, Cameroon

Lucien Dias Nzali Mpeunguem, Cavin Epie Bekolo*, Patrice Landry Koudoum, Solomon Ifang Ndifon, Laure Manuella Djienang Edith, Roddy Yvain Saha, Djomene Junior Christian, Loïc Rudi Tagne, Angelot Marcel Fouakeu, Maelle Ange Kemsu, Freddy Njonbi Ndadjeu, Guy Calvin Mbongo'o Nko'o, Meli Meli Vivien and Armand Tiotsia Tsapi

November 28, 2024

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Abstract

Background: Excessive Smartphone Use (ESU) is associated with mental disorders among University students in most developed countries. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of ESU and its association with mental disorder among students of the University of Dschang.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the University of Dschang in which randomly selected students completed a survey comprised of a SAS-SV (10 items questionnaire), PHQ-7 (7 items questionnaire), PHQ-9 (9 items questionnaire), to screen for ESU, depression and anxiety respectively. Sleep quality was assessed using a three-item questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the association between ESU and mental disorder. Mental disorder was considered as the presence of one or more of the following disorders; depression, anxiety and/or sleep disorder.

Results: A total of 636 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of excessive smartphone use was 38.4% [95%CI: 34.6-42.3], and the prevalence of mental disorder was 35.8% [95%CI: 32.2-39.6]. The odds for mental disorder were 2.23 times greater among ESU [aOR =2.33, 5% CI: 1.58-3.16, p< 0.001] than in normal users.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of ESU among university students and a strong association with mental disorders. There is urgent need for interventions to control ESU among students for optimal academic performance and general wellbeing.

Limitations And Recommendations: This study was a transversal study; A longitudinal study and the use of a mental health specialist to confirm all cases of Mental health disorders could reveal better results.

Keywords: Excessive smartphone use; Mental health; Addiction; Students

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