Factors related to self-reported smartphone addiction among Brazilian adolescents in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-method study

Abstract

Problem

(1) To identify the factors associated with self-reported smartphone addiction (SRSA) among adolescents in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic; and (2) to analyze the adolescents' perception of these factors related to SRSA.

Methods

A mixed-method study with a sequential explanatory design, carried out with Brazilian adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years old.

Findings

The prevalence of SRSA was 56.37%, and the variables that remained in the final model of association were as follows: public schools; longer smartphone use during the COVID-19 pandemic; number of hours connected to the smartphone; preference for sleeping during the day; use of the device immediately after waking up, smartphone use after 9 p.m., amount of sleep less than 8 h a day; and smartphone use during meals. Sequentially, after analyzing the data obtained in the focus groups, it was possible to describe how adolescents perceive the intensification of smartphone uses, its repercussions, and activities carried out on it during the pandemic.

Conclusions

The pandemic had repercussions on the behavior established with the smartphone, such as time and period of use, being associated with the SRSA. In addition, it was found that such conditions also affect the adolescents' sleep quality, diet, and studies.