May 2026, Volume 4, Issue 5

Author

Anisha D.P., Mubeen Taj, Arnab Saha, Preethi S, Dhanraj Jalindar Bhore and Rubhika G

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has markedly influenced digital behaviour among college students, resulting in increased reliance on smartphones for academic, social, and recreational purposes. This heightened usage has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on sleep quality and mental health, particularly depression. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of problematic smartphone use and examine its association with sleep disturbances and depression among college students in the post-COVID-19 period. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of smartphone addiction, identify factors contributing to excessive use, and evaluate its relationship with sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 729 medical students at ACS Medical College & Hospital from October 2022 to March 2023. Data were collected using validated tools: Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS-20), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Smartphone addiction was observed in 24.55% of participants, with a higher prevalence among males (29.18%). Clinical insomnia was reported in 42.7% of students, while 88.6% exhibited varying degrees of depression, including 6.5% with severe depression. Significant positive correlations were found between smartphone addiction and insomnia (r = 0.533), smartphone addiction and depression (r = 0.532), and depression and insomnia (r = 0.727) (p < 0.001). Increased daily screen time, predominant use for social media, and longer duration of smartphone ownership were significantly associated with these outcomes. Conclusion: Problematic smartphone use is strongly associated with sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms, underscoring the need for awareness, early identification, and targeted interventions among college students.