Arabic validation of problematic use of mobile phone scale among university students in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Smart phone addiction is rampant worldwide, especially among young adults; hence, its quantification using a reliable and valid instrument is essential. The problematic use of mobile phones (PUMP) scale, designed with 20 items, is a validated tool to assess smart phone addiction based on DSM-5 criteria. This study aims to test the reliability and construct validity of the Arabic version of the PUMP scale among a sample of university students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was conducted among 2367 students of King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An Arabic version of the PUMP scale was developed; then, its reliability and validity were assessed. The internal consistency of the PUMP scale was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and its construct validity was assessed by factor analysis. Results: The internal consistency values of the 20 items ranged between 0.904 and 0.912, which are highly statistically significant. The average value of the internal consistency is 0.911 (95% CI: 0.905 to 0.916). The factor analysis provides the 3 factors that can be labelled as Factor1: “use of cell phone longer than intended and activities reduced“, Factor2: “dependence and craving” and Factor3: “use despite failure of obligations, social and physical problems“. Conclusions: The study concludes that the PUMP scale used to quantify smart phone addiction was proven to be reliable and valid in the Arabic language in Saudi population. Future studies are recommended in other parts of Arabic speaking societies to confirm the reliability and construct validity of the Arabic PUMP scale.