Mobile Phone Usage and Hygiene amongst Medical Students at a Malaysian Public University

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Abstract Introduction: Medical students use mobile phones (MPs) for communication, academic purposes and social activities. However, their frequent handling and rare disinfection make them potential vectors for microbial contamination, posing a risk of pathogen transmission, particularly in healthcare settings. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the hygienic aspects of MP usage amongst 151 medical students at the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM). Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire assessing phone usage, hygiene practices and infection control awareness. Descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Results: Most students (93.4%) used cover protectors, and 59.6% used MPs for more than 6 h daily. Poor hygiene practices were prevalent, with 66.2% rarely washing their hands after using MPs, 60.9% seldom cleaning MPs and 41.72% cleaning them only after more than a week. The most common cleaning methods were wet wipes (39.74%) and alcohol wipes (24.50%). Female and non-Malay students exhibited significantly better MP hygiene practices than their counterparts. Amongst clinical students, 96.7% used the same MP at home and in hospitals, while 41.0% rarely cleaned MPs after hospital use, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Conclusion: The study highlights suboptimal MP hygiene practices amongst NDUM medical students, emphasising the need for improved infection control education. Incorporating MP hygiene into infection control training and promoting regular disinfection practices are crucial for mitigating microbial transmission risks in healthcare environments.