Association of Excessive Smartphone Use with Physical and Mental Health among Children: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Excessive smartphone use among children has become a growing public health concern globally. However, its association with physical and mental health outcomes in Bangladeshi children remains inadequately characterized, limiting evidence-based interventions. Objective: To assess the association between excessive smartphone, use and physical and mental health outcomes among children. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)l, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to June 2014. A total of 367 children aged 8–18 years were enrolled using systematic random sampling. Smartphone use was assessed using the validated Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale (PMPUS). Physical and mental health outcomes were evaluated using standardized questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The prevalence of excessive smartphone use (≥4 hours/day) was 41.2%. Children with excessive use reported significantly higher rates of headaches (48.3% vs. 22.7%, p<0.001), neck pain (42.2% vs. 18.5%, p<0.001), and sleep disturbances (55.6% vs. 28.1%, p<0.001). Mental health issues, including anxiety (44.4% vs. 23.2%, p<0.001) and depression (38.1% vs. 19.4%, p<0.001), were also more prevalent. Excessive use was independently associated with poor mental health (adjusted odds ratio 2.68, 95% CI 1.72–4.18). Conclusion: Excessive smartphone use is significantly associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes among children. These findings underscore the urgent need for awareness programs and interventions to promote healthy digital habits in this vulnerable population.