Incidence of, and factors linked to, smartphone addiction in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The use of cell phones can lead to users’ addiction. However, the literature in the field lacks data about this topic in the Brazilian population, as well as about its likely associated factors. Objectives: Investigating the prevalence of smartphone users’ addiction, as well as assessing its likely association with sex, age, student status and incidence of neck pain. Methods: Interview comprising sociodemographic questions was conducted with participants, who were also assessed to investigate the incidence of neck pain and smartphone addiction (Smartphone Addiction Scale - short version). Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate correlations between variables; prevalence ratio (PR) was calculated to measure likely risk relationships. Results: There was prevalence of smartphone addiction (551 participants) in 53% of the sample. Significant correlations were observed between smartphone dependence and age, student status and pain. PR recorded for risk of addiction based on age was 1.5, whereas PR based on student status was 1.4. PR recorded for neck pain was 1.3. Conclusion: Data have indicated that younger individuals are 50% more likely to develop smartphone addiction, whereas students are 40% more likely to develop it. Finally, smartphone-dependent individuals are 30% more likely to have neck pain.