Smartphone use associated with overweight and obesity in adolescents in a family medicine unit in Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: The use of smartphones has been increasing globally and in the case of adolescents it represents greater vulnerability and health risks. Clinical research that relates Body Mass Index (BMI) or body weight alterations with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) demonstrates an association. However, the specific association of problematic smartphone use with overweight or obesity is limited and inconclusive in adolescents. General objective: To associate smartphone use with overweight and obesity in adolescents in a family medicine unit (FMU). Material and methods: A cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out from September 2022 to December 2023 in a first-level medical unit, in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, in whom the Mobile Phone Problem use Scale (MPPUS-A) was applied and BMI was calculated. A Multiple Binary Logistic Regression (RLM) model was used that included age > 14 years, smartphone use and female sex. Odds Ratio (OR), 95% CI and p. Results: Of 338 subjects, it was found that 39% were overweight or obese and had problematic use of the smartphone. 9.1% of overweight or obese adolescents have an adequate use of the smartphone. In the bivariate analysis, it was found that the inappropriate use of smartphones presented a PMR of 2.68 [95% CI (1.63-4.41)] and p<0.001. The multivariate model showed inappropriate smartphone use with an OR of 1.06 [95% CI (1.73-4.87] with p<0.001 and age > 14 years an OR of 1.68 [95% CI (2.80-10.25)] and p <0.001. Conclusion: Adolescents who have problematic smartphone use and an age > 14 years have a higher risk of being overweight or obese. Longitudinal studies are required to verify the findings shown here.