Digital Addiction and Occupational Health in Medical Residency
N. Rmadi, R. Affes, A. Kchaou, F. Dhouib, M. Hajjaji, K. Jmal HammamiIntroduction
Digital addiction among medical residents may compromise both professional efficiency and psychological well-being. Understanding its occupational health implications is essential for designing preventive strategies.
Objectives
To assess the occupational health implications of digital addiction among medical residents and examine its impact on work performance and psychosocial well-being.
Methods
A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2025 among 429 residents from Tunisia’s four medical faculties. Data included personality traits (BFI-20), smartphone and social media addiction (SAS-SV, BSMAS), and work performance (IWPQ). Associations and mediation models were analyzed.
Results
Conscientiousness was the strongest predictor of high work performance (β=0.488, p<0.001). However, its protective role was significantly attenuated by social media addiction (indirect effect β=–0.141, p=0.002). Nearly half of residents were addicted to smartphones and one in four to social media, with addiction linked to lower performance and higher counterproductive behaviors.
Conclusions
Digital addiction represents an emerging occupational health risk in residency training. Preventive interventions—such as digital hygiene workshops, smartphone-free clinical environments, and psychosocial support—are needed to protect residents’ performance and well-being. Integrating these measures into occupational health policies could help sustain efficiency and patient safety.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared