Assessing Smartphone Usage And Associated Behaviors Among Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of smartphones has become integral to nursing education, providing tools for accessing information, enhancing clinical decision-making, and supporting academic tasks. However, excessive smartphone usage poses risks to students' mental health, physical well-being, and academic performance.This study aimed to assess smartphone usage patterns and associated behaviors among undergraduate nursing students, focusing on dimensions such as daily life disturbance, overuse, withdrawal, cyberspace-oriented relationships, and tolerance.

Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 145 undergraduate nursing students at Mewar B.sc. nursing College, Udaipur. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were used to identify significant behavioral patterns.

Results:Students using smartphones for more than four hours daily exhibited higher scores across all behavioral dimensions. Overuse behaviors, such as sleep disturbances and physical discomfort, were prevalent. Withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety without smartphone access, highlighted a dependency on smartphones. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between daily smartphone use and adverse behavioral impacts (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:The findings highlight the need for institutional strategies to mitigate excessive smartphone use while leveraging its benefits for education and clinical practice. Balanced use should be encouraged through targeted interventions and digital literacy programs.