Impact of Mobile Phone Addiction on Mental Health in University Students of Faisalabad

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of mobile phones among university students has raised concerns due to its link with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, stress, sleep problems, and poor social interactions. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of mobile phone addiction among university students in Faisalabad and to assess the association between mobile phone addiction and various mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Methodology: Cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between mobile phone addiction and mental health among university students in Faisalabad. A total of 400 students were selected through stratified random sampling from four major universities (100 from each). Data were collected using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), along with demographic and phone usage information. Questionnaires were provided in both Urdu and English. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v28, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests applied. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study found a high prevalence of mobile phone addiction among university students, with a mean SAS-SV score of 48 ± 2.3, indicating severe addiction. Mental health findings showed 43.75% had mild depression, 49.75% had moderate anxiety, and 45% experienced severe stress. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between mobile phone addiction and depression (x² = 18.42, p = 0.030), anxiety (x² = 16.11, p = 0.001), and stress (x² = 17.01, p = 0.002). Addicted students also reported behavioral issues (e.g., irritability, compulsive phone use) and physical symptoms (e.g., wrist/back pain), highlighting both psychological and physical impacts. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscored the significant negative impact of mobile phone addiction on the mental health of university students in Faisalabad. High levels of addiction were strongly associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as physical discomfort and impaired academic performance.