Citation

Yang YS, Yen JY, Ko CH, Cheng CP, Yen CF. BMC Public Health 2010; 10(1): 217.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group - BMC)

DOI

10.1186/1471-2458-10-217

PMID

20426807

PMCID

PMC2873584

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cellular phone use (CPU) is an important part of life for many adolescents. However, problematic CPU may complicate physiological and psychological problems. The aim of our study was to examine the associations between problematic CPU and a series of risky behaviors and low self-esteem in Taiwanese adolescents. METHODS: A total of 12210 adolescent students in Southern Taiwan were randomly selected into this study. We used the Problematic Cellular Phone Use Questionnaire to identify the adolescents with problematic CPU. Meanwhile, a series of risky behaviors and self-esteem were evaluated. Logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the associations between problematic CPU and risky behaviors and low self-esteem regarding gender and age. RESULTS: The results indicated that positive associations were found between problematic CPU and aggression, insomnia, substance use, suicidal tendencies, unprotected sex, and low self-esteem in all groups with different sexes and ages. However, gender and age differences existed in the associations between problematic CPU and suspension from school, criminal records, tattooing, short nocturnal sleep duration, and chewing betel nuts. CONCLUSIONS: Problematic CPU could be viewed as a useful behavioral indicator for screening risky behaviors and low self-esteem to determine when early intervention strategies are needed for adolescents.

Language: en