ASSESSMENT OF SMART PHONE ADDICTION WITH HEALTH, ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES IN MEDICAL STUDENTS- A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Increasing hours on smart phone has been damaging our sleep patterns and quality of life. This study assessed the rate of smart phone addiction in medical students, with a focus on its correlation with health quality, academic progress and quality of life issues. 

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 medical students. Their smart phone usage, level of smart phone addiction, daily hours spend on phone, sleep quality, and perceived stress levels were measured respectively accordingly their data filled in google forms. Data was collected and analysed using SPSS software.

Result: 97.52% of our medical students possess smartphones, 24 % of students were found to switch off their phones during classes, and 92.55% did not make or receive a call during class but 75.89% of students were found to check messages, Students who use phone for long hours are found to be less physically active and have low social interaction.

Conclusions: There is a high degree of smartphone addiction in medical students of a college in Western UP. The significant association of this addiction with deranged health quality and higher supposed secondary stress is a cause for worry. Study explored the positive co relation of smartphone with disturbed sleep patterns specially while using it before sleep.