TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2010//
TI  - The association between problematic cellular phone use and risky behaviors and low self-esteem among Taiwanese adolescents
JO  - BMC public health
A1  - Yang, Yuan-Sheng
A1  - Yen, Ju-Yu
A1  - Ko, Chih-Hung
A1  - Cheng, Chung-Ping
A1  - Yen, Cheng-Fang
SP  - 217
EP  - 217
VL  - 10
IS  - 1
N2  - ABSTRACT: 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 12210 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. 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, substance use, suicidal tendencies, unprotected sex, 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, and chewing betel nuts. CONCLUSIONS: Problematic CPU could be viewed as a useful behavioral indicator for screening risky behaviors and low self-esteem to determine when early intervention strategies are needed for adolescents.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1471-2458
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-10-217
ID  - ref1
ER  -