# Retrospective study of smartphone usage effects on tension-type headache prevalence in young adults

**Authors:** Vishal Janarthanan, Jordan Ridhay Rasquinha, Shanmukha Koppolu, Manova Sam Shalin V.R, Balamurali K, Sr Vijaya Madhuri Devi Kunche, Shoraf Pascal

PMC · DOI: 10.6026/973206300213958 · 2025-10-31

## TL;DR

This study found that heavy smartphone use is linked to more frequent and severe tension-type headaches in young adults.

## Contribution

The study establishes a correlation between smartphone usage patterns and increased TTH prevalence in young adults.

## Key findings

- Participants with over 4 hours/day of screen time reported more frequent headaches.
- Headache severity was influenced by posture and type of smartphone activity.
- Behavioral interventions are suggested to reduce TTH risk associated with smartphone use.

## Abstract

Tension-type headache (TTH) is rising among young adults, potentially linked to increasing smartphone use. This retrospective study
investigated the association between smartphone usage and TTH among 120 participants aged 18-30 years. Individuals with screen time
exceeding 4 hours/day reported significantly more frequent and severe headaches. Posture and type of smartphone activity also influenced
headache intensity. Thus, the findings call for behavioral interventions to mitigate TTH risk.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** headache (MESH:D006261), TTH (MESH:D018781)

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12859352