Mobile phone addiction and non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents in China

Abstract

Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has recently widely discussed. Independently, mobile phone addiction (MPA) has also attracted academic attention. A few research have examined the correlation between the two. However, there is inadequate knowledge to characterize this relationship altogether. This study further explores the correlation between MPA and NSSI, specifically repeated and severe NSSI. Method A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,719 adolescents in Lincang, Yunnan. The mobile phone addiction index (MPAI) and the Modified Adolescents Self-Harm Survey (MASHS) were administered in combination. The connection between the MPAI and NSSI, as well as both repeated and severe NSSI, was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. (The copyright holders have permitted the authors to use the MPAI and the MASHS). Results The prevalence of NSSI was 47.11% (95% CI [36.2–58.0%]), and the detection rate of MPA was 11.11% (95% CI [6.7–18.0%]). The prevalence of NSSI among those with MPA was 4.280 times (95% CI [3.480–5.266]) that of respondents not exhibiting MPA. In addition, all subscales of the MPAI, except for the feeling anxious and lost subscale (FALS), were positively correlated with NSSI. Risk factors, represented by odds ratios, of repeated NSSI with the inability to control cravings subscale (ICCS), the FALS, and the withdrawal and escape subscale (WES) was 1.052 (95% CI [1.032–1.072]), 1.028 (95% CI [1.006–1.051]), and 1.048 (95% CI [1.019–1.078]) respectively. Risk factors of these same three subscales for severe NSSI, had odds ratios of 1.048 (95% CI [1.029–1.068]), 1.033 (95% CI [1.009–1.057]), and 1.045 (95% CI [1.018–1.073]). Conclusion MPA was shown to be a risk factor for NSSI in adolescents. Individuals with high scores on the ICCS, the WES, and the FALS were more prone to experience repeated and severe NSSI. As a result, early assessment using the MPAI to determine the need for intervention can contribute to the prediction and prevention of NSSI.

Smartphone addiction: impact on health and well-being

“…7 A study in China has been done to investigate the potential link between the MPA and NSSI (Non-suicidal self-injury) deliberate self-harm without suicidal intent, is prevalent among adolescents and young adults, often cooccurring with suicidal behavior. 5 Over usage of the mobile phone leads to physiological health hazards like headaches, earache, warmth sensation, fatigue and musculoskeletal symptoms Smartphone addiction among students is a pressing issue that has sparked a debate in recent years.…”

“…This can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. 4,5 Poor time management MPA can impair students' time management skills, leading to difficulties in prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and allocating sufficient time for studying. Students may spend excessive hours on their phones, neglecting academic responsibilities and compromising their academic performance.…”

“…Students may spend excessive hours on their phones, neglecting academic responsibilities and compromising their academic performance. 5…”

Association between birth by caesarian section and anxiety, self-harm: a gene-environment interaction study using UK Biobank data

“…Besides, it is the sixth leading cause of disability in high-income and low-income countries [4]. Self-harm is one of the main public health issues with a symptom of mental and personality disorders, characterized by cutting, burning, or scratching the skin, or by drug overdose without the intention of committing suicide [5]. The World Health Organization estimates that, as of 2010, 880,000 deaths occur as a result of selfharm [6].…”

Modulating factors in mood disorders treatment

“…However, with the widespread use of mobile phones, particularly among younger individuals, it has become of interest due to its potential mood and anxiety correlates. There is converging evidence of a correlation between mobile phone addiction and mood, anxiety, sleep quality and even self-harm (Li et al , 2020; Gangadharan et al , 2022; Wang et al , 2022; Zhang et al , 2022). This article investigates the prevalence and correlates of mobile phone addiction in medical students (Nahidi et al , 2023).…”