Network Analysis of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Sleep Issues, and Excessive Smartphone Use Among Medical Students in China

Overview

This study investigates the interrelations among emotional distress, sleep problems, and problematic smartphone use in Chinese medical students. It identifies anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbance as central factors within these networks.

Background

Medical students face significant emotional and psychological stressors that can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbances and problematic smartphone use are prevalent among this population, potentially exacerbating their emotional distress. Understanding these interconnections is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Anxiety was the most prevalent emotional distress dimension among participants.
• Problematic smartphone use was detected in 64.71% of the surveyed medical students.
• Stress and withdrawal showed the highest strength in the DASS-MPAI network.
• In the PSQI-MPAI network, withdrawal and inefficiency were identified as the strongest central nodes.
• Bridge strength analysis highlighted sleep disturbance and anxiety as significant cross-domain nodes.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that addressing anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances may be critical in managing the mental health of medical students. Future interventions could focus on these central nodes to improve overall well-being.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the complex relationships among emotional distress, sleep issues, and smartphone use in medical students, highlighting areas for further research and potential intervention.

Related Resources & Content

1. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- The association between smartphone addiction and creativity in Chinese college students: the chain mediating effects of depression and executive function
2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- The relationship between mobile phone addiction and depression, anxiety among Chinese college students: the mediating role of friendship quality and the moderating effect of preference for solitude
3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- The mediation effects of smartphone addiction, negative emotion and psychological resilience in the relationship between social support and sleep quality among medical students
4. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), 2026 -- Prevalence of Social Media Addiction and Associations With Usage Patterns, Burnout, and Health Conditions Among Medical Trainees in China: Cross-Sectional Study
5. NICE, 2024 -- Overview | Depression in adults: treatment and management | Guidance
6. Frontiers, 2026 -- Nighttime screen use, sleep quality, and smartphone addiction symptoms among medical students: an international cross-sectional study
7. Overview | Depression in adults: treatment and management | Guidance | NICE
8. Frontiers | Nighttime screen use, sleep quality, and smartphone addiction symptoms among medical students: an international cross-sectional study