Abstract
Background: The internet has become much more personal since social network sites (SNS) were introduced and embraced by the masses. Since their introduction, social networking websites have attracted millions of users, many of whom use these sites daily. Its excessive usage can influence physical health of their users.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among students of selected colleges in Thrissur district. The subjects included 400 SNS users selected using systematic random sampling. Data was collected using a pre tested structured questionnaire.Results: The mean age of the study population was 19.13±1.09 years. Most of the subjects used Facebook along with (78%) or without (33.5%) the usage of other social networking websites. Among the subjects, 64% were daily users with 39.5% reporting 1-2 hours use per day and 29.5% reporting 2-4 hours use per day. 74% subjects reported mobile phone as method of access to SNS. The prevalence of visual problems, eyestrain, headache, appetite problems and postural pain were significantly high in daily SNS users.Conclusions: The study shows how virtual online world is interfering with their physical health. Daily SNS use had negative effects on physical health of the college students in this study.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
