청소년의 스마트폰 의존과 정신건강이 구강 증상에 미치는 영향: 제19차 청소년건강행태조사 자료 활용

The Impact of Smartphone Dependence and Mental Health on Oral Symptoms in Adolescents: Insights from the 19th Youth Health Behavior Survey

Objectives: This study investigates the risk of various oral symptoms associated with smartphone overdependence and mental health among adolescents using data from the 2023 Youth Health Behavior Survey. Methods: An online survey was conducted between August and October 2023, with a final sample of 50,975 participants included in the analysis. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Version 27.0. Results: Adolescents exhibiting smartphone overdependence, defined as usage exceeding 8 h a day on weekdays and weekends, were at a higher risk for tooth fractures, chewing discomfort, tooth pain, and gingival bleeding. Additionally, adolescents reporting severe anxiety, higher stress levels, feelings of despair, and suicidal thoughts demonstrated an increased risk of these oral symptoms. Conclusions: It is crucial to guide adolescents to limit their smartphone usage to <8 h a day, including time spent on academic activities. Furthermore, expanding school counseling programs and providing ongoing oral health education should be prioritized to address these issues effectively.