Addiction of Smartphones and Its Relationship to Academic Achievement of Medical Students in Saudi Arabia,2022

Abstract Background: Smartphones and their increasing capabilities have helped humans communicate and perform many tasks, leading to dependency; it may negatively affect everyone, especially students. Objectives: To assess smartphone addiction and its relationship to academic performance among medical students at King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022, including students of the College of Medicine at King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data collection tool was structured and utilized an electronic survey. Results: A total of 330 participants answered the study questionnaire. The most common age range of study participants was 18-28 years, with 64.2% of the study sample. Male participants represented 63%. The study income is less than 5,000 riyals, 54.5% per month. Analysis of the study results shows a statistically significant correlation between phone addiction and a decrease in the academic performance of college students. Most students (65%) believe using smartphones helps them study more efficiently. Conclusion: Our study found a significant correlation between phone addiction and a drop in academic performance. Despite its attractiveness, smartphone addiction is a time waster for students that might disrupt their sleep and causes stress. It is, therefore, necessary to create a comprehensive plan that directs the students toward balanced use.