Impact of mobile use amongst children in rural area of Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: A major source of sedentary behavior in young people is screen time, which refers to time spent watching television or movies, playing video games, using computers and using mobiles. Excessive screen time in young children is associated with obesity, aggressive behavior, and may negatively impact attention span, language development, and cognitive development. Thus, fostering appropriate screen time habits in children may have important implications for health and wellness throughout life. The study was conducted to assess the pattern of mobile use and reasons behind the mobile use along with the various effects of mobile amongst the rural children.Methods: The present cross sectional study was conducted in the department of Paediatrics OPD at tertiary care teaching institute. All the children attending the department of Paediatrics OPD below the age of 15 years were included in the study during the period of Jan. 2017 to March 2017. A total of 450 children were enrolled in the study.Results: In the present study, 277 (61.5%) participants were boys and 173 (38.5%) were girls child. 414 (92.1%) parents were using mobile phones and 350 (77.8%) parents had smart phones. Majority 194 (43.1%) of the children were using mobiles for 1-3 hours followed by 130 (28.8%) children those who used mobile for more than 4 hours. Physical morbities like decreased physical activity in 189 (45.8%) children, laziness in 143 (34.7%) children, pain in fingers and wrist in 76 (18.5%) and eyes symptoms in 148 (35.7%) children. While mental issues faced were, throwing tantrums if mobile not given in 187 (45.3%) children, not obeying parents 110 (26.6%), reduced grades in school 89 (21.4%).Conclusions: The study concluded that the use of mobile phones by young generation has increased resulting physical, social and psychological impact. It’s the role of family to regulate the use and guide the children for proper usage of mobile phones.