earticle

영어

Purpose: This study aims to identify gender-based differences in factors related to smartphone overdependence among middle school students. Methods: The subjects of the study were middle school students who participated in the 16th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2020). Frequency analysis, the Rao-Scott x2 test, and multiple logistic regression were performed using SPSS 27.0. Results: Identified risk factors were grade level, self-reported health, self-reported happiness, loneliness, smoking, drinking, poor sleep quality, physical activity, and generalized anxiety disorder, which were commonly found in all participants. Additionally, stress was found related only in boys, while the residential area and depression showed associations only in girls. In particular, the more severe was the level of generalized anxiety disorder, the higher was the risk ratio of the high-risk group, compared to the potential-risk group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, a customized strategy that considers gender differences should be developed in order to prevent smartphone overdependence in middle school students.