A Population-based Study on Risk of Cell Phone Addiction among Youth (16-30 Years) in Rural Karnataka
Abstract
Introduction: The present study assessed the risk of cell phone addiction among youth in rural Karnataka in an attempt to address the existing data gaps and help policymakers in planning need and evidence-based interventions.
Material and Methods: Data from youth health impacting behaviour survey undertaken in Srinivasapura taluk of Karnataka was utilised for the present analysis. Stratified two-stage cluster sampling with probability -proportionate-to-population-size sampling technique was used in the survey. Cell phone addiction risk was assessed using the screener questionnaire developed by NIMHANS Centre for Well-being. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using SPSS version 21.0.
Results: 60% of the total 936 participants were cell phone users; of which, 15.9% were at risk of cell phone addiction. Another 17.4% of the youth could be considered as sitting on the fence with a possibility of developing the risk for cell phone addiction in the future. In multiple logistic regression, gender, occupation and marital status were the factors associated with the risk of cell phone addiction among youth in the study area.
Conclusion: The risk of cell phone addiction among youth in Srinivasapura taluk is a public health concern needing implementation of evidence based interventions on priority. The risk of cell phone addiction is more among males, never-married individuals, and among working population. Further research is required to understand cell phone/ technology addiction in all its aspects among youth in Karnataka.
How to cite this article:
Nagaraj D, Yeshaswi MC, Aishwarya B, Akashanand, Roy A, Banandur P, Banavaram AA. A Population-based Study on Risk of Cell Phone Addiction among Youth (16-30 Years) in Rural Karnataka. Ind J Youth Adol Health. 2023;10(1):8-15.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.2880.202302
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