Prevalence of Smartphone Addiction and Its Association with Socio-economic, Physical, and Psychological Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study among University of Bangladesh

Background Smartphone addiction (SA), characterized by excessive and uncontrolled use, poses significant physical, psychological, and social challenges, particularly among university students. In Bangladesh, where SA prevalence reaches 61.4% among young adults, socio-economic stressors, lifestyle factors, and mental health issues amplify risks. This study investigates SA prevalence and its associations with socio-economic, physical, and psychological conditions among university students, addressing a critical gap in developing country contexts. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, involving 450 students from four faculties. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) for SA (cutoffs: ≥31 males, ≥ 33 females), and self-reported measures for sleep, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and psychological conditions (anxiety, depression, stress, worry). Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyzed associations and predictors, with p < 0.05 for significance, using SPSS v27. Results SA prevalence was 63.8% (286/450), with males (75.5%) showing higher rates than females (50.7%, AOR = 0.19, p < 0.001). Significant associations were found with academic year (4th-year: 75.7%, χ²=16.63, p = 0.002), faculty (Social Science: 72.7%, χ²=15.59, p = 0.001), paternal education (secondary: AOR = 19.21, p < 0.001), financial dependency (AOR = 0.26, p < 0.001), sleep (< 5 hours: 87.7% addicted, χ²=188.50, p < 0.001), physical activity (4–5 times/week: AOR = 0.07, p < 0.001), and psychological conditions (e.g., anxiety nearly every day: AOR = 46.34, p < 0.001; worry: AOR = 253.40, p < 0.001). Psychological factors were the strongest predictors, explaining 49.5–67.8% of SA variance. Findings align with local studies (61.4% prevalence) but exceed global estimates (23.3%). Conclusion High Smartphone addiction prevalence among Bangladeshi university students is driven by psychological distress, socio-economic constraints, and lifestyle factors. Interventions should prioritize mental health support, promote moderate physical activity, and address socio-economic stressors through awareness and counseling. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal pathways.