Examination of smartphone addiction level in individuals aged 18 and above applying to the family medicine clinic at Eskişehir Osmangazi University

This study was conducted with 130 patients who applied to our clinic between 1.8.2022 and 1.2.2023. The prepared questionnaire form was filled out through face-to-face interviews, and data were collected to determine the participants' smartphone addiction levels and to reveal the relationship between addiction levels and sociodemographic characteristics. Of the participants, 50.8% (n=66) were male, and 49.2% (n=64) were female, with an average age of 32.8±12.1. The participants' average score on the smartphone addiction scale was found to be 77.8±27.6. There is a weak, statistically significant negative correlation (p<0.001) between the participants' ages and their smartphone addiction scale scores. Regarding marital status, 67.7% of the participants (n=88) were single. Single individuals had higher smartphone addiction scale scores compared to married participants (p<0.001). Among the participants, 41.5% (n=54) were students. Students had higher smartphone addiction scale scores compared to employed individuals and retirees (p=0.007). 56.2% of the participants (n=73) had income equal to their expenses, and those with equal income and expenses had higher smartphone addiction scale scores compared to other income groups. When examining the frequency of changing mobile phones, 59.2% of the participants (n=77) changed their phones at intervals of 4 years or more. As the replacement intervals increased, smartphone addiction scale scores decreased. This study demonstrated smartphone addiction levels for our sample; however, a specific cutoff point on the scale is necessary to diagnose addiction. Excessive smartphone use negatively affects mental health. Family doctors' having sufficient knowledge about this disorder, recognizing it, and displaying appropriate treatment approaches are of great importance. Key Words: smartphone addiction, addiction, family medicine, mobile phone