ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
Background and Objectives: The utilization of smartphones has become essential in the everyday routines of university students and may significantly affect their sleep and psychological health. Nevertheless, scant study has investigated the impact of cultural background on the correlation between smartphone usage, sleep quality, and life happiness. This study sought to explore the relationships between smartphone usage, perceived sleep quality, and life happiness among university students, while also assessing the moderating influence of cultural background. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional online survey was administered to 300 students (Male = 138 (46.0%) and Female = 162 (54.0%) at UCSI University via quota sampling. Participants administered the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Correlation, analysis of variance, and hierarchical regression studies were conducted. Results: The utilization of smartphones was positively correlated with diminished reported sleep quality (r = .22, p < .01) and negatively correlated with life satisfaction (r = –.32, p < .001). Substantial cultural disparities were observed in both sleep quality and life satisfaction. International students indicated inferior sleep quality and diminished life satisfaction compared to domestic pupils. The cultural background did not notably influence the correlation between smartphone usage and sleep quality. Moderation was noted in life satisfaction, exhibiting a more pronounced negative correlation among overseas students. Conclusions: Excessive smartphone usage correlates with diminished sleep quality and decreased life satisfaction among university students, with cultural background affecting psychological results. These findings underscore the significance of culturally attuned interventions to foster healthy technology utilization and well-being in higher education environments.
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