Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? The risk factors for mobile phone dependence (MPD) remain inconsistent and debated in the literature. Previous studies in China reported MPD prevalence rates of 26.2% among junior high students and 27.9% among senior high students in 2012. A 2021 study in Guangzhou City found a prevalence of 13.5% among first-year senior high students. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? This study reveals that the overall MPD prevalence among middle school students in Guangzhou was 10.0% in 2023, with distinct rates between junior high (7.3%) and senior high (12.4%) students. The research identifies key risk factors for MPD development and documents injury patterns associated with excessive phone use. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? These findings provide an evidence base for developing targeted interventions to reduce both MPD occurrence and associated injuries among middle school students.