Smartphone Addiction and Hand Health among Young Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract: Background: Smartphones have become indispensable tools in medical education, facilitating academic learning, communication, and access to digital resources. However, prolonged and uncontrolled smartphone use has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly among young adults. Excessive smartphone usage has been associated with behavioural dependence and several musculoskeletal disorders affecting the upper extremities. Medical students constitute a high-risk population because of their extensive academic and recreational dependence on smartphones. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of smartphone addiction and examined its association with hand health problems and behavioural outcomes among young medical students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 medical students selected through voluntary participation. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, smartphone usage behaviour, addiction-related symptoms, hand health complaints, ergonomic practices, and behavioural consequences. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Pearson's correlation, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression were employed to analyse the data. Results: Most respondents were aged 19-22 years (69%), and females constituted 77.5% of the sample. More than half of the participants reported difficulty reducing smartphone use, while prolonged uninterrupted usage was highly prevalent. Hand-related symptoms, particularly thumb pain, wrist discomfort, finger stiffness, and grip weakness, were frequently reported. Correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive relationships between smartphone addiction, hand health problems, and behavioural disturbances. Regression analysis indicated that smartphone addiction significantly predicted hand health problems, explaining 46.5% of the variance. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that excessive smartphone use is significantly associated with adverse hand health outcomes and behavioural disturbances among medical students. Although many symptoms remain mild, persistent overuse combined with inadequate ergonomic practices may increase the likelihood of chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Educational interventions promoting healthy smartphone habits, ergonomic awareness, and regular digital breaks are essential to minimise long-term health risks.
Keywords: Smartphone addiction, Hand health, Medical students, Musculoskeletal disorders, Ergonomics, Behavioural health
How to Cite?: Divyasree B, Dr. N Kavitha, Dr. M Suresh Kumar, "Smartphone Addiction and Hand Health among Young Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 156-161, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261001004827, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261001004827