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Association between Problematic Use of Smartphones and Mental Health in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Samira Bouazza

    (Laboratory of Epidemiology and Research in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30070, Morocco)

  • Samira Abbouyi

    (Laboratory of Epidemiology and Research in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30070, Morocco)

  • Soukaina El Kinany

    (Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Errachidia 52000, Morocco)

  • Karima El Rhazi

    (Laboratory of Epidemiology and Research in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30070, Morocco)

  • Btissame Zarrouq

    (Laboratory of Epidemiology and Research in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30070, Morocco
    Department of Biology and Geology, Teachers Training College (Ecole Normale Superieure), Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30030, Morocco)

Abstract

Smartphones have become essential components of daily life, and research into the harmful effects of problematic smartphone use (PSU) on mental health is expanding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This issue has yet to be synthesized and critically evaluated. To find quantitative observational studies on the relationship between PSU and mental health in the MENA region, we developed a search equation and adapted it for four databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed during the selection process. This review included 32 cross-sectional studies and one cohort study. The available language was English. All identified studies published until 8 October 2021, were considered. A modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The studies enrolled 21,487 people and had low-to-moderate methodological quality. The prevalence of PSU ranged from 4.3 to 97.8 percent. The time factor, type of application used on the smartphone, and sociodemographic characteristics were the determinants of PSU. Depression, anxiety, and stress were strongly correlated with PSU. Epidemiological longitudinal studies that respect the quality of evidence are needed in all MENA countries to better plan and implement preventive measures against PSU.

Suggested Citation

  • Samira Bouazza & Samira Abbouyi & Soukaina El Kinany & Karima El Rhazi & Btissame Zarrouq, 2023. "Association between Problematic Use of Smartphones and Mental Health in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:2891-:d:1060206
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sheila Yu & Steve Sussman, 2020. "Does Smartphone Addiction Fall on a Continuum of Addictive Behaviors?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Liat Turgeman & Inbar Hefner & Maayan Bazon & Or Yehoshua & Aviv Weinstein, 2020. "Studies on the Relationship between Social Anxiety and Excessive Smartphone Use and on the Effects of Abstinence and Sensation Seeking on Excessive Smartphone Use," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-11, February.
    3. Vega González-Bueso & Juan José Santamaría & Daniel Fernández & Laura Merino & Elena Montero & Joan Ribas, 2018. "Association between Internet Gaming Disorder or Pathological Video-Game Use and Comorbid Psychopathology: A Comprehensive Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-20, April.
    4. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
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