Problematic smartphone use and Health-Related Quality of Life in Chinese adults: The Hong Kong Family and Health Information Trends Surveys (HK-FHInTS) of The Hong Kong FAMILY Project

Abstract

Background: The association of problematic smartphone use (PSU) with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains unclear. We investigated how PSU is associated with HRQoL, and if the association was modified by education attainment. Methods: We recruited 453 respondents (44.5% male; mean age 49.88 ± 18.02 years; 19.7% primary or lower education) from the probability-based telephone survey (HKFHInTS) in 2017. Males scored 31 and females scored 33 in the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (ranged 10-60) were regarded as having PSU. HRQoL was measured by physical component scale (PCS) and mental component scale (MCS) (both ranged 0-100) of Short Form 12 (SF-12). Multivariable linear regression analyzed the associations between PSU and HRQoL, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Interaction effects of education was assessed. Results: The prevalence of PSU was 34.4% (95%CI 28.8% to 40.5%). Education attainment modified the association between PSU and MCS (P for interaction < 0.05). PSU was associated with poor MCS (adjusted beta –15.93; 95% CI -24.10 to –7.77) and lower scores in Role Emotional, Bodily Pain, Vitality, Social Functioning and Mental Health domain of SF-12 (all P < 0.05) only in people with primary or lower education. Conclusions: Chinese adults with primary or lower education attainment had much worse mental HRQoL associated with PSU.