Awareness and Practices on Smartphone Battery Drainage: A Cross-Sectional Study in Dodoma City Higher Education Institutions, Tanzania

Abstract

Smartphone battery drainage remains a remarkable challenge that negatively affects device performance and users’ daily activities. The challenge is more severe mainly to students who rely heavily on mobile devices for academic and social purposes. This study examined the level of awareness and practices related to smartphone battery drainage among students in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Dodoma City, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study design was employed, using a structured self-administered questionnaire distributed to 384 students selected through systematic sampling. Of these, 381 completed questionnaires were valid and included in the analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis to determine the relationship between students’ awareness, charging behaviors, usage patterns, and experiences of smartphone battery drainage. The findings revealed a moderate level of awareness regarding the causes of battery drainage and battery-saving practices among students. However, inappropriate behaviors such as prolonged use of background applications, excessive screen brightness, and irregular charging patterns were prevalent and significantly associated with increased battery drainage. The multiple regression results further indicated that awareness level was a statistically significant predictor of effective battery drainage management practices (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the need for targeted awareness and educational programs within HEIs to promote optimal smartphone usage and charging practices, thereby enhancing battery longevity and improving overall device efficiency among students.