Prevalence of mobile phone addiction and poor mental health, and factors associated with mental health among medical students in Southeast Iran.

BACKGROUND: Mobile phone addiction is on the rise among various populations, particularly among the younger generations. This phenomenon can significantly impact various aspects of life, particularly mental health. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of mobile phone addiction and mental health, as well as the associated factors of mental health among medical students in southeast Iran in 2023. METHODS: Using stratified sampling, 365 students from the Kerman University of Medical Sciences were included from May to June 2023. The data collection tool comprised a questionnaire assessing general health (GHQ-28), mobile phone addiction, and social support. Logistic regression was used to examine the associated factors of mental health. RESULTS: The prevalence of mobile phone addiction and poor mental health among students was 46.6% (95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 41.4; 51.7) and 52.9% (95% CI: 47.7; 57.9), respectively. The results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with mobile phone addiction had higher odds of experiencing a poor mental health situation (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.30, 3.09). Conversely, participants with higher social support scores were less likely to have poor health (aOR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.94, 0.97). CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of mobile phone addiction. Considering the association between mobile phone addiction and mental health, it is necessary to prevent the complications and risks caused by mobile phone addiction; it requires educational planning, counseling, and behavior among vulnerable students.

Correlates of methamphetamine use among young Iranians: Findings of a population-based survey in 2013.

INTRODUCTION: Methamphetamine use remains an important public health concern among young people across various international settings. The present study is aimed at investigating the correlates of methamphetamine use among young Iranians within the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in 13 provinces of Iran in 2013. Through multistage sampling, 3,246 young adults (aged 19-29 years) were recruited in the study. Weighted multilevel logistic regression methods were applied to identify the correlates of methamphetamine use. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of methamphetamine use was 7.1% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 5.4, 8.8). In the multivariable logistic regression, gender (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.57, 95%CI: 1.37, 4.82), marital status (AOR: 4.91, 95%CI: 2.26, 10.7), education level (AOR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.3, 5.06), profession (AOR: 2.64, 95%CI: 1.63, 4.29), overall knowledge level of methamphetamine use (AOR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.39, 0.76), knowing a methamphetamine user among family members or friends (AOR: 2.57, 95%CI: 1.71, 4.42), knowing an ecstasy user among family members or friends (AOR: 3.36, 95%CI: 1.92, 5.9), and extramarital sex (AOR: 6.29, 95%CI: 4.29, 9.22) were significantly associated with methamphetamine use. CONCLUSIONS: The lifetime prevalence of methamphetamine use among young Iranian adults is concerning. Educational settings should be equipped with the required resources to take a proactive role in educating adolescents and young adults on substance use including methamphetamine. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study was done on a national level and identified the factors that can correlate with methamphetamine use. Its results can be very useful for policy decision makers. (Am J Addict 2017;26:731-737).