224332 Cell phone use: Health and safety concerns among college students

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Sandhya Bhoyar Jr., MBBS , Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Pankaj Mandale, MBBS , Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Mary Christine Nagy, PhD , Dept. of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Cell phone use is emerging as an addiction problem that has the potential to affect the health of university students. This study examined the relationship among sleep, depression, social interaction, dependence and cell phone use in college students. The cross sectional study involved 171 college students. Nearly all students (97%) owned their own cell phone. Combined cell and text use ranged from 0 to 10 or more hours daily; 23% of students reported a combined cell and text use of more than 6 hours a day. Males and females were not significantly different on cell phone use or dependence. Cell phone use and dependence were positively correlated (r=.362,p=.00). Mean sleep scale scores were significantly higher for males than females (p=.004). Significant differences were not found between males and females on cell phone use to avoid personal or reduce social interactions. More than half (55%) of the students reported texting while driving. Although more males (63%) than females (49%) reported this behavior, it was not significant. This study increased our awareness of health and safety issues associated with high cell and text messaging including addiction (high use and dependence), safety (driving and texting), text message injury as well as sleep deprivation. More study need to be conducted so that health professionals can tailor programs to target these areas of concerns.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1.To identify the health and safety concerns related with high cell phone use and text messaging among college students

Keywords: College Students, Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have completed my Bachelors in Medicine and Surgey from India and currently pursuing Masters in Public Health
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.