Prevalence of Little Finger Contour Damage among Mobile Users

Abstract

Background: Recent advancements in mobile technology have led to increased scrutiny regarding the physical impacts of prolonged device usage. Prior studies have offered conflicting views on the association between mobile phone use and structural changes in the hand, particularly concerning little finger contour damage. This discrepancy underscores the need for further research to elucidate the relationship between smartphone usage patterns and potential musculoskeletal alterations. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of little finger contour damage among mobile phone users, aiming to identify causative factors, potential preventative measures, and remedies for the observed damage. The study also sought to compare its findings with existing literature to clarify the impact of mobile phone use on hand anatomy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 335 participants, employing a structured questionnaire to gather data on demographics, mobile phone usage patterns, and the presence of little finger contour damage. Statistical analysis was utilized to examine the association between mobile phone use and little finger contour damage. The study's inclusion criteria encompassed mobile phone users above the age of 16, with no restrictions on gender or occupation. Results: Out of 335 participants, 123 (36.70%) reported little finger contour damage. Among those, 83.70% were female, and 16.30% were male. Age distribution indicated that 41.00% were aged 17-20 years, 58.00% were 21-24 years, and 1.00% were older than 24 years. Regarding mobile phone usage, 11.00% had used their devices for 2-3 years, 20.00% for 3-4 years, and 69.00% for more than 4 years. Screen time revealed that 29.00% used their phones for 3-5 hours daily, whereas 71.00% exceeded 5 hours. The prevalence of little finger contour damage was significantly associated with longer screen time and duration of mobile phone usage. Conclusion: The study substantiates a significant correlation between prolonged mobile phone use and the development of little finger contour damage. It highlights an urgent need for awareness and intervention strategies to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal alterations due to smartphone usage. Further research is recommended to explore this phenomenon across broader demographics and geographical locations.