Smartphone Use Among University Students During COVID-19 Quarantine: An Ethical Trigger

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic necessitated widespread home quarantine measures.
• Extended quarantine periods may impact mental health and behavioral patterns.
• Understanding smartphone usage and addiction is crucial during public health crises.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with smartphone addiction among Jordanian undergraduates during a 10-week COVID-19 home quarantine.
• To assess the impact of quarantine on smartphone usage patterns.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 6,157 undergraduates in Jordan.
• Online questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, academic details, quarantine conditions, smartphone usage, and addiction levels using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 62.4%, with higher scores in females, science/medical majors, higher income students, and those in urban apartments without gardens.
• 85% reported increased smartphone usage during quarantine, with 42% using phones over 6 hours daily.
• Despite increased usage, 75% of students desired reduced smartphone use.

Conclusions:

• Extended COVID-19 quarantine significantly elevated smartphone addiction risk in undergraduates.
• Demographic, academic, and environmental factors play a significant role in smartphone addiction during quarantine.
• Interventions may be needed to manage excessive smartphone use and addiction among students post-quarantine.