A study on patterns of use of mobile phone and nomophobia in medical undergraduate students during a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

Abstract

IntroductionThe governments of various countries enforced a lockdown to contain the COVID -19 pandemic. As the colleges remain closed, the academic teachings for students was conducted online. The mobile phone remained the main source for academics and entertainment during this period.ObjectivesTo assess patterns of use of mobile phone by Medical Undergraduate students prior to and during the COVID-19 lockdown. To assess Nomophobia among same participants.MethodsThis study was done by an online survey method after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A validated questionnaire on patterns of mobile phone use and the Nomophobia Questionnaire(NMP-Q) was completed by the medical students (n=187) who consented to participate in the studyResultsPrior to the pandemic lockdown, 52.9% of the participants used the mobile phones for 2-4 hours per day with 78% of the usage in social media. During lockdown, 89.3% of the participants reported an increase in the usage of mobile phones. 35.65% reported an increase in use by 2-4 hours everyday. About 30.5 % used the mobile phone for 6-8 hours per day. 80.2 % reported a maximum usage for social media. 59.45% reported a maximum usage for online academics. 33.7% frequently checked their phones once in 15 minutes. About 60.43% of the participants were in the moderate and 21.4% in the severe category of nomophobia.ConclusionsThere is an increase in mobile phone usage during the lockdown with a significant proportion of students in the moderate and severe category of nomophobia.DisclosureNo significant relationships.