Assessmentof Mobile Phone Dependence And Self Perceived Effects Among Students of A Medical College, Visakhapatnam (original) (raw)
Mobile phone is a new technological tool in the field of communication, use of which may involve risk of abuse and addictive behaviour. In recent years there is an increase in prevalence of mobile phone dependence among younger population. Objective:To assess mobile phone dependence and self-perceived effects among medical students. Methodology:A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 200 MBBS students during May 2016. Modified Mobile Phone Dependence Questionnaire (MPDQ) with 20 items each with ratings 0, 1, 2, and 3with total scores ranging from 0 to 60 was used for assessing dependence. The questionnaire was self-administered after taking informed consent. Subjects with scores in the highest quartile were put in the high-dependence category. Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS version 16 used for data entry and analysis. Results:Among 200 MBBS students aged 17 to 24 years, 38.5% were males, 61.5% were females and 38%day scholars,62% hostellers. Mean score for mobile phone dependence was19.62±7.84 and high dependence was seen in 26% subjects. Self-attribution of mobile phone dependence was seen in 51%. Self-perceived effects observed were eyestrain (51%),headache(38.5%),sleep disturbances(33%), anxiety(25.5%) academic disturbances(27.5%), problems in relationships(7%),accidents etc. Conclusion:There is need to create awareness regarding mobile phone dependence and its physical and psychosocial effects.
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