Prevalence of Smartphone Addiction among undergraduate students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of smartphone addiction, especially among undergraduates, is a growing concern. This study explores the prevalence of smartphone addiction among undergraduate students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). According to Griffiths (1999, 2000), technological addictions are defined as non-chemical addictions involving human-machine interaction. One contemporary example of this is smartphone addiction, which has emerged due to the increased accessibility and functionality of smartphones. Excessive use harms communication skills and negatively impacts academic performance.

Methodology: The study, conducted across six universities, involved the 369 participants (69.1% male, aged 17-24 years). Data was collected from the month of July to September 2024 using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV).

Results: Indicated a significant smartphone addiction rate of 60.4%, with higher prevalence rates in males (65.1%) than females (50.0%). Notably, 82.1% of students reported constant smartphone possession, underscoring the device's integration into daily life. The study highlighted several addiction-related behaviors: excessive usage beyond planned time, physical discomfort (e.g., wrist/neck pain), and interference with academic concentration and task completion.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions due to the high prevalence of smartphone addiction, which poses significant risks to academic and personal development. Collaboration between mental health professionals and educators is essential for developing strategies to promote positive smartphone usage and mitigate addiction effects.