Factors associated with cell phone use in adolescents

in the community of Madrid (Spain)

Sanchez-Martinez M., Otero A.
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Medical School, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid,
Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo
Morcillo 4, Madrid 28029, Spain

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to measure cell phone use among high school adolescents and the
factors associated with intensive cell phone use (depressive symptoms, social isolation, drug and alcohol
use, school failure, and cell phone dependence). We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of 1,328
adolescents aged 13 to 20 years in nine secondary schools of the Community of Madrid between January to
April 2007. The mean age of sample participants was 15.7 years. Almost all (96.5) had their own cell phone
(80.5 had one, and 15.9 had two or more). Some 54.8 take it to school and 46.1 keep it on during class; 41.7
use it intensively. The estimated prevalence of cell phone dependence was 20 (26.1 in females, 13 in males).
Intensive cell phone use was associated with female sex, rural school location, good family economy,
smoking tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, depression, cell phone dependence, and school failure.
More health education is needed to promote correct and effective cell phone use among adolescents. Factors
associated with intensive use and dependence should be considered for possible intervention activities. ©
2009 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Year: 2009
Source title: Cyberpsychology and Behavior
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Page : 131-137
Cited by: 5
Link: Scorpus Link
Document Type: Article
Source: Scopus
Authors with affiliations:
1. Sánchez-Martínez, M., Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Medical School, Universidad Autónoma de
Madrid, Spain
2. Otero, A., Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Medical School, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain,
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo 4, Madrid
28029, Spain
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