PERCEIVED HEALTH RISKS OF SMARTPHONE USE AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: smartphones have become indispensable tools that combine mobile communication with computing functionalities, transforming how individuals interact, study, and manage daily life. However, excessive smartphone use may pose various health risks, particularly among young adults in health professions who rely heavily on these devices for both academic and personal purposes.

Objective: this study aimed to assess the perceived health risks associated with smartphone use and to examine the prevalence and nature of related health complaints among nursing students in lahore, pakistan.

Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 bachelor of science in nursing (bsn) students enrolled at saida waheed fmh college of nursing and mohammadan college of nursing and health sciences, lahore. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in two sections: section i captured sociodemographic and health-related information, while section ii evaluated perceived health risks linked to smartphone use. Data were analyzed to explore associations between smartphone usage patterns and self-reported health complaints.

Results: the analysis revealed that blurred vision (42.5%), inadequate sleep (36.9%), stress (40.6%), and back or neck discomfort (33.1%) were the most commonly reported health complaints among nursing students. Although no statistically significant associations (p > 0.05) were found between smartphone usage patterns and specific health problems, students who used smartphones for eight hours or more daily exhibited higher frequencies of stress and sleep disturbances.

Conclusion: the study concludes that excessive smartphone use poses notable physical and psychological health risks among nursing students, underscoring the need for awareness and behavioral interventions to promote healthier smartphone habits.