Association between problematic smartphone use and gaming and disruptive behavioral disorder symptoms among Korean adolescents: a nationwide representative study - Report - MDSpire
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Association between problematic smartphone use and gaming and disruptive behavioral disorder symptoms among Korean adolescents: a nationwide representative study
Linking Excessive Smartphone and Gaming Use to Symptoms of Disruptive Behavioral Disorders
Overview
This study investigates the association between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and problematic gaming (PG) with disruptive behavioral disorders (DBDs) among Korean adolescents.
Background
Problematic smartphone and gaming use is increasingly recognized as a public health concern, particularly among adolescents. Disruptive behavioral disorders, including conduct disorder and ADHD, are linked to excessive digital device use, which can interfere with daily functioning and mental health.
Data Highlights
Characteristic
Odds Ratio (OR)
Confidence Interval (CI)
PSU and Conduct Disorder (Urban)
2.03
1.30–3.16
PG and ADHD-Inattentive Symptoms (Rural)
4.22
2.15–8.30
PG and ADHD-Inattentive Symptoms (Urban)
2.10
1.49–2.96
PSU and ODD (Highly Educated Mothers)
3.64
Not provided
PSU and Conduct Disorder (Less Frequent Father Drinking)
2.15
1.34–3.45
Key Findings
Adolescents with PSU or PG showed significantly higher prevalence of all DBD subtypes (p<0.01).
PSU was associated with conduct disorder only in urban areas (OR=2.03).
PG was more strongly associated with ADHD-inattentive symptoms in rural areas (OR=4.22).
The association between PSU and oppositional defiant disorder was stronger among adolescents with highly educated mothers (OR=3.64).
The PSU-conduct disorder link was evident only when fathers drank less frequently (OR=2.15).
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider the impact of excessive smartphone and gaming use on adolescent behavioral health.
Conclusion
The study identifies associations between PSU, PG, and DBDs.
