Smartphone usage habits among french nursing students: A monocentric mixed-methods study

Smartphones, first introduced in 1992 in the United States, have evolved into essential communication tools due to their convenience and increasing functionalities. Their widespread use has significantly impacted daily life, leading to various psychological and physical consequences, particularly among young adults. In France, Interministerial Mission to Combat Drugs and Addictive Behavior (MILDECA) reports a high prevalence of intensive smartphone usage among individuals aged 15-24, with many acknowledging their inability to control their screen time. This trend is particularly concerning among nursing students, where excessive smartphone use has been linked to issues such as stress, anxiety, and diminished academic performance. Despite the benefits of smartphones in accessing educational resources, problematic usage remains a growing concern. This study aimed to describe nursing students' smartphone usage habits, assess addiction and ocular discomfort, and evaluate their knowledge of risks and preventive measures to inform targeted prevention strategies.

A cross-sectional, monocentric mixed-methods study was conducted with 50 first- and second-year nursing students. Data were collected through questionnaires assessing smartphone use, addiction, and health impacts, followed by semi-structured interviews with 12 participants. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to explore usage patterns, addiction, and preventive awareness.

The average daily smartphone usage was 6 h and 15 min. Of the participants, 86 % showed signs of smartphone addiction, while 66 % exhibited subjective convergence insufficiency, indicating potential ocular discomfort. Although students had some awareness of harmful effects, many struggled to regulate their smartphone use effectively.

This study reveals excessive smartphone use among nursing students, contributing to addiction and ocular discomfort. Despite awareness of its negative impacts, students lack effective preventive strategies. Integrating digital health literacy and targeted prevention measures into nursing curricula is essential to address these risks and promote healthier smartphone use.

COREQ, STROBE.