Alarming Increase in Electronic Gadget Usage among Students during a Layer of the Global Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: Every day, new technologies and appealing devices are released that are aimed at a large portion of our population, particularly youth, and students. These devices get young people addicted; the addiction is to frequently utilize or grow depending on the gadget. People spend a lot of time on it, and it can induce psychological and neurological disturbances, which can lead to significant problems. This study aims to determine the association between the usage of electronic gadgets on students’ physical health and cognitive skills. As COVID-19 indicated extensive use of technology, the main outcome of this study is to intervene in the impact of electronic gadgets either positive or negative on student life.
 Methodology: Over 01 year (Feb 21 to Jan 22), this Quantitative- Analytical Cross-sectional study was conducted at Indus University of Health and science, Korangi Crossing, Karachi. Students of three academic departments of the university participated in the study i.e., Indus College of Allied Health Sciences, Indus College of Physical Therapy, and College of Nursing. Sample size of 170 with the margin of error as 4.6% and 95% confidence level. Both male and female age group between (16 to 35) active user of social media and electronic gadgets was enrolled in study from any discipline (nursing, allied health, biosciences, medical technology etc.). Any person with mental and physical disorder previously diagnosed or under any psychological treatment or medication was not included in the study
 Findings: 
 Recommendations: If the study is repeated with a larger and more representative sample (which was not possible due to COVID Pandemic) significant influence or otherwise, of time spent on electronic gadgets on physical health could also be detected.