Health Issues Associated With Increased Smart Phone Usage Among Students During Covid-19 Pandemic Wave 2.0 In India

Abstract

In recent years, as smart phones have grown in popularity, problematic cell phone use has gotten more attention among students. Due to the quarantine period, loneliness, and online classes, students' use of smartphones rose during the COVID-19 epidemic, affecting their physical and psychological well-being. Aim: To assess the health impact on excessive usage of smart phone and their effects among students during the COVID-19 pandemic wave-2.0 in India. Settings and Design: Data was acquired using a semi-structured Google Forms and responses were collected via social media via Google form among students across India during COVID-19. Results: Our research study shows that students were experiencing health problems like headache (86%), vision problems (68%), sleep pattern disturbance (79%), lack of attention (66%). The average usage of smart phone usage among the students were found to be greater than 4 hours per day for 85% of the students. Smartphone usages were more prevalent in males (56%) than in females (44%). The online classes cause increased usage of smartphone and affects their health more and 83% of the participants felt that they were addicted to smartphone. Concusion: Smartphone usage is becoming a necessity, even though students should be educated regarding proper usage and handling of smartphones and school/college should follow Government Guidelines for minimizing health hazards