Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Sağlık ve Toplum, cilt.33, sa.2, ss.171-182, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
Aim: This study investigated smartphone addiction and related psychosocial factors in rural adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Turkey between September 2018 and June 2019 with 655 participants. Data were collected using the Socio-demographic Information Form, the Smartphone Addiction-Short Form, and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. Results: In this study, 41.8% of adolescents living in rural areas were at risk of addiction. Other psychosocial factors associated with smartphone addiction were low-income family relationships, repressive family attitudes, "bad" teacher relationships, and low academic achievement. Smartphone addiction was significantly higher among smokers, skipping meals, and long-term daily internet users (p<0.05). Phone appearance, control frequency, and time spent on the phone showed significant differences in smartphone addiction (p<0.05). Conclusıons: As a result of this study, it was determined that approximately half of the adolescents living in rural areas are at risk of addiction. Smartphone addiction is a significant public health problem for adolescents, not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. Multisectoral public health efforts should be expanded to fight against this addiction type.