Smartphone Addiction, Screen Time, and Physical Activity of Different Academic Majors and Study Levels in University Students

Wannisa Kumban, Salila Cetthakrikul and Anoma Santiworakul ()
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Wannisa Kumban: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, 222, Thasala, Thai-buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Salila Cetthakrikul: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, 222, Thasala, Thai-buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Anoma Santiworakul: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, 222, Thasala, Thai-buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: Smartphone addiction is increasing among university students. This study aims to explore the differences in screen time and physical activity among university students with and without smartphone addiction, considering their study majors and levels. One hundred and twenty participants from sixteen faculties were included, divided into three academic majors (health sciences, social sciences and humanities, and science and technology). Data were collected using a screen time behavior questionnaire and a screen time application. Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). This study demonstrated that the smartphone addiction group had higher screen time on both smartphones ( p = 0.02) and other devices ( p = 0.04). Students in the social sciences and humanities majors had insufficient physical activity according to WHO recommendations. The results showed no correlation between screen time and physical activity, study time, academic major, or study level ( p ≥ 0.05). However, a low correlation was observed between physical activity and study time (r 2 = 0.27; p < 0.05), as well as study level (r 2 = −0.31; p < 0.05). Our findings show that the total screen time for university students with and without smartphone addiction exceeded 8 h per day. Real-life activities should be promoted to reduce screen time. Encouraging physical activity among senior students and those in social science and humanities majors is crucial for fostering healthy behaviors in the future. Physical education and recreational activities should be emphasized in these groups, along with the development of programs or class activities designed to promote physical activity and reduce screen time.

Keywords: smartphone addiction; screen time; physical activity; academic major; study level; university student (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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