Relationship between smart phone addiction and mental health in nursing students of Abadan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Students are a large group of cell phone users who are exposed to psychological damages due to excessive use of this device. Reducing social and isolation, increasing loneliness, impulsivity and depression are the most likely consequences among excessive uses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between addiction to smart phones and mental health in nursing students of Abadan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 200 nursing students of Abadan University of Medical Sciences in 2016. The research instrument consisted of demographic information questionnaire, general health questionnaire and cell phone use questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 17 and Spearman correlation coefficient and independent t-test. Results: The results indicated that with increasing excessive use of smart phone, general health was reduced. There was significant correlation between mental health dimensions and smart phone addiction (P 0.05). Conclusion: Given the negative impact of smart phone addiction on general health, this relationship can have a damaging effect on other aspects of student s life, including quality of life and academic achievement.