STUDY THE PATTERN OF MOBILE PHONE USAGE IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Objective: Mobile technology has influenced the way of living across all segments of society and has raised concern about its electromagnetic waves. Hence, the present study gives emphasis on investigating the pattern of mobile phone usage among undergraduate medical students and their perception and awareness regarding negative health effects due to excessive exposure of electromagnetic waves. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 170 UG students of PDU Govt. Medical College, Rajkot, Gujarat, India. Data were collected by pre-tested questionnaire in Google form and analysed using MS Excel software. Results: Out of total students participated in the study, 103 were males and 67 were females; Average time spent using mobile phones was 3.75 hours/day; 51.2% students kept their mobile phone ON during lecture; 75.9% also stated that they were aware of health hazards due to exposure to electromagnetic waves; 27.6% students agreed that their sleep is suffered due to use of mobile phone. Conclusion: the outcomes of this study confirms that there is excessive use of mobile phone among medical students. Regulatory bodies should form some specific regulations and guidelines regarding mobile phone usage in classroom. Further, it is also required to anticipate long term health hazards considering its overuse among young adults.