Smartphone addiction in children: patterns of use and musculoskeletal discomfort during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran

Abstract

Background Smartphone use has increased significantly, especially during the period of global pandemic caused by the novel SARS-CoV2 coronavirus (COVID-19). Concurrently, smartphone addiction is a growing social problem in children and adolescents with the consequence of adverse health outcomes. This study assessed the prevalence of smartphone addiction, patterns of use, and the experienced body-region discomfort among Iranian school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study with students from grades 1–9 recruited n = 585 participants (mean age = 14.49 (2.26 years); female = 65.8%). Data were collected from parents and students through the online 'Smartphone addiction scale-short version’ (SAS-SV), self-reported demographic questionnaires, and extracts of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire for the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders. Results The prevalence rate of smartphone addiction (53.3%) was relatively high in the overall sample. Participants spent 6.85 (4.62) hours per day on their smartphones, which had increased 53.86% relative to the pre-pandemic period. The primary smartphone uses were for social networking (77.9%), web-surfing (53.3%), and camera activities (50.9%). There was a positive correlation between smartphone addiction as assessed with the SAS-SV and daily use time (r = 0.34, p < 0.001), and the percentage of change relative to the pre-pandemic period (r = 0.26, p < 0.001). Discomfort related to smartphone use was mostly reported as present in the eyes (39.7%) and neck (39.1%). A positive correlation was found (p < 0.001) between smartphone addiction and discomfort in the eyes, neck, wrists, shoulders, and upper-back. Conclusion The more frequent usage of smartphones by students during the Covid-19 pandemic were associated predominantly with discomfort to the eyes and neck. Parents should consider the complications of musculoskeletal and postural changes during the child’s future years and pay particular attention to the individual’s patterns of smartphone use with an emphasis on posture and usage that reduces discomfort to the eyes and the musculoskeletal system, particularly the neck.

Association of Smartphone Overuse and Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Over 10,000 individuals. (Preprint)

“…The observed stronger association can be explained by factors such as decreased physical resilience along with aging, pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions, and age-related lifestyle changes leading to more sedentary behavior. Nevertheless, the implications of smartphone overuse extend across all age groups, affecting both adults and younger populations [28][29][30][31][32][33]. Studies by Correia et al [30] and Mustafaoglu et al [33] both reported a relation between smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal pain in university students.…”

Smartphone addiction and its relation with bullying, sleep quality, and depression among children

“…The prevalence rate of smartphone addiction was (53.86%) which was relatively high. children spent more than 6.85 hours per day on their smartphones (Mokhtarinia et al, 2022) The use of smartphones by children and adolescents has increased in the last few years. and it usually carries greater risk factors such as personality problems (low self-esteem, negative emotion, loneliness) social problems, and depression, smart phone-related adverse events are growing rapidly, especially among children and adolescents.…”

Smartphone Addiction Levels in School-Age Children After the Covid-19 Pandemic in Rural Area

“…Smartphone usage rates are increasing rapidly among school-age children aged 6-10 years (Fischer-Grote, Kothgassner, and Felnhofer 2019). The average smartphone usage time of school-aged children in a day is 6.85 hours, an increase of 53.86% from the pre-pandemic period (Mokhtarinia et al 2022). On the other hand, the ideal screen-time for school-age children according to IDAI is no more than 2 hours per day (IDAI 2014).…”