Profile of survey respondents.

IntroductionDespite the many benefits of smartphones, researchers have raised concerns over problematic smartphone use (PSU) and its negative effects on physical and psychological well-being. Studies examining PSU and its impact among adults remain limited. Hence, we aim to examine the prevalence of PSU among adults in Singapore, and explore its associations with smartphone activities, sleep quality, and psychological well-being, as well as age and gender-related differences in these associations.MethodsA household survey (n = 1200) was conducted among multi-ethnic Singapore adults aged 21 to 60. The survey employed a proportionate stratified random sampling approach. The Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version was used to determine risk of PSU. Adjusted multivariable logistic regressions, age-stratified (21–30, and above 30) analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsThe survey response rate was 45.7%. PSU prevalence rate was estimated to be 34.0%. Adults at risk were younger (OR = 3.72, p p = 0.001) or anxiety symptoms (OR = 2.44, p p = 0.002) or entertainment (OR = 2.72, p p = 0.007), using smartphones for calling family (OR = 0.39, p = 0.003) and friends (OR = 0.53, p = 0.030), and spending four hours or less of smartphone usage duration (OR = 0.40, p p p p = 0.004) and social media usage (OR = 3.46, p p = 0.022). Social support appears to be a protective factor for adults over 30 (OR = 0.64, p p = 0.018), but this association was not observed for males. Shorter smartphone usage times were inversely associated with PSU in both genders.ConclusionA substantial proportion of adults exhibited PSU. Findings highlight the differential associations between PSU and psychological well-being, social support, interactions with technology, and sleep quality. These associations are influenced by age which has implications for preventive efforts.