Effectiveness of Role Play on Knowledge of Smartphone Addiction and Its Adverse Effects among College Students in Gujarat: A Pre-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Smartphone addiction has emerged as a significant public health concern among adolescents and young adults, affecting physical, psychological, and academic well-being.
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of role, play as a teaching strategy on knowledge regarding adverse effects of smartphone addiction among college students.
Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was adopted. A total of 40 students were selected using non-probability purposive sampling from a nursing college in Bharuch, Gujarat. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire. Role play intervention was administered, and post-test assessment was conducted after 10 days. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score was 10.35 (SD = 2.76), which significantly increased to 15.07 (SD = 2.27) in the post-test. The calculated paired t-value (11.83) was higher than the table value (2.021), indicating statistical significance at p < 0.05. No significant association was found between knowledge scores and most demographic variables except area of residence.
Conclusion: Role play is an effective educational strategy for improving knowledge regarding smartphone addiction among college students.