Exploring the role of adverse childhood experiences in smartphone addiction among young adults in Delhi-NCR, India

Abstract

Background

Smartphone addiction (SA) is a growing public health concern among young adults. While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to various behavioural and health outcomes, their role in SA remains understudied, particularly in India. This study explores the association between ACEs and SA among young adults in Delhi-NCR, India.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 258 young adults (mean age 21.62 ± 2.21 years) in Delhi-NCR, India. SA and ACEs were assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), respectively.

Results

Participants with ≥4 ACE exposure demonstrated significantly higher SA prevalence and scores than those without ACE exposure. The ACE score was found to be significantly positively associated with SA [β (SE) = 0.89 (0.36), p = 0.015]. Further, compared to those with 0 ACE, individuals with ≥4 ACEs showed a 2.22-fold increased risk of SA; however, this association did not reach statistical significance [OR (95 % CI) = 2.22 (0.89–5.54), p = 0.088]. Among ACE domains, household alcohol/drug use, and incarcerated household members were significantly associated with elevated SA risk. Emotional abuse and bullying also showed over 2-fold risk, though these associations did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

The study highlights a positive relationship between ACE exposure and SA risk, suggesting that young adults exposed to ACEs may be more susceptible to SA. Implementing targeted interventions for young adults with high ACE exposure could be beneficial. However, further research is needed as the sample may not be fully representative.