The association between problematic cellular phone use and risky behaviors and low self-esteem among Taiwanese adolescents.
BACKGROUND
Cellular phone use (CPU) is an important part of life for many adolescents. However, problematic CPU may complicate physiological and psychological problems. The aim of our study was to examine the associations between problematic CPU and a series of risky behaviors and low self-esteem in Taiwanese adolescents.


METHODS
A total of 11,111 adolescent students in Southern Taiwan were randomly selected into this study. We used the Problematic Cellular Phone Use Questionnaire to identify the adolescents with problematic CPU. Meanwhile, a series of risky behaviors and self-esteem were evaluated. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the associations between problematic CPU and risky behaviors and low self-esteem regarding gender and age.


RESULTS
The results indicated that positive associations were found between problematic CPU and aggression, insomnia, smoking cigarettes, suicidal tendencies, and low self-esteem in all groups with different sexes and ages. However, gender and age differences existed in the associations between problematic CPU and suspension from school, criminal records, tattooing, short nocturnal sleep duration, unprotected sex, illicit drugs use, drinking alcohol and chewing betel nuts.


CONCLUSIONS
There were positive associations between problematic CPU and a series of risky behaviors and low self-esteem in Taiwanese adolescents. It is worthy for parents and mental health professionals to pay attention to adolescents' problematic CPU.
Yang
Yuan-Sheng
YS
Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Tzyou 1st Rd,, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
Yen
Ju-Yu
JY
Ko
Chih-Hung
CH
Cheng
Chung-Ping
CP
Yen
Cheng-Fang
CF
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D040421:Cell Phone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology