Cell phone use: Health and safety concerns among college students

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.