Science for ethics in SSI discussions

Exposure assessment for mobile phone use and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and the application in a Swiss cohort study

PurposeThe study seeks to further explore the hypothesised link between the increase in mobile phone ownership and use and the reported decline in adolescent smoking. Evidence for the link was gathered by examining perceptions of mobile phone use in the context of social identity and adolescent smoking.Design/methodology/approachThe study developed and employed a questionnaire‐based survey design asking a sample of student participants to characterise mobile phone users using a semantic differential scale. Data were also collected in relation to individual levels and patterns of mobile phone usage. The sample consisted of 172 undergraduate students studying in the Faculty of Health based in a UK university.FindingsFindings show first that mobile phone use is associated with a number of positive, desirable personal and social attributes relating to concepts of social identity and image formation, and that many of the attributes associated with mobile phone use are those commonly associated with smoking behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe association between mobile phone use and social identity theory provides a theoretical framework which helps explain the prolific rise in mobile phone use and can be used to support the viability of a link between a decline in levels of adolescent smoking and a rise in mobile phone ownership. Further evidence needs to be gathered which examines both behaviours in a single cohort of adolescents to establish the direct impact of mobile phone use on smoking behaviour in this particular group.Practical implicationsMobile phone use may serve as a displacement behaviour for smoking in adolescents and may provide an example of a positive – as opposed to a negative – addiction, given that it is a potential alternative to smoking in adolescents.Originality/valueThe paper provides an examination of the health implications of a modern‐day social phenomenon. It draws on and draws together established theory and empirical work to further advance a previously proposed link between smoking and mobile phone use. Establishing such a link has important implications for health education and promotion activities.

In spite of rapid worldwide increase in mobile phone use and public concerns about associated potential health effects, little is known about patterns of mobile phone ownership and use in the general population and among children. In April 2005, we conducted a survey of mobile phone ownership and use among fourth grade school children in three Hungarian cities. From 24 schools, 1301 student filled out a short, self-administered questionnaire on basic demographics, mobile phone ownership, pattern of mobile phone use, and after-school activities. Overall, 989 students (76%) owned a mobile phone. Three hundred thirteen students (24%) used a mobile phone daily to make phone calls, and an additional 427 students (33%) used mobile phones for phone calls at least several times per week. Sixty-six students (5%) sent text messages daily and an additional 308 students (24%) sent text messages at least several times per week. Girls, children with no siblings, children who were members of a sport club, and children who played computer games daily were more likely to own and use mobile phones regularly. A higher number of socially disadvantaged children in a class predicted lower likelihood of regular mobile phone use among children. Our results suggest that mobile phone ownership and regular use is highly prevalent among school children in Hungary. Due to rapid changes in ownership patterns follow up surveys will be required to obtain information on temporal trends and changes in mobile phone ownership and pattern of use among school children.

BackgroundMobile apps are a popular strategy for reducing mobile phone use and preventing maladaptive mobile phone use (MMPU). Previous research efforts have been made to understand the features of apps that have the potential to reduce mobile phone use and MMPU. However, there has been a lack of a comprehensive examination of the effectiveness of such apps and their features.ObjectiveThis paper investigated existing apps designed to reduce mobile phone use and prevent MMPU and examined the evidence of their effectiveness. The research aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of app features that can reduce mobile phone use and MMPU, while also assessing their effectiveness. In addition, we explored users’ perceptions of these apps and the various features the apps offer to understand potential adoption issues and identify opportunities.MethodsThis study used 3 methods: a review of scientific evidence, content analysis, and sentiment analysis.ResultsOur study comprehensively examine the common features of 13 apps designed to reduce mobile phone use. We extracted and classified the features into 7 types: self-tracking, social tracking, goal setting, blocking, gamification, simplification, and assessment. The effectiveness of these apps in reducing mobile phone use and MMPU varied from weak to strong. On the basis of content analysis, self-tracking and goal setting were the most frequently used features, whereas gamification and assessment were used the least frequently. The intervention strategies that effectively reduce mobile phone use and MMPU included using grayscale mode, app limit features, and mixed interventions. Overall, users tended to accept these apps, as indicated by sentiment scores ranging from 61 to 86 out of 100.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that app-based management has the potential to reduce mobile phone use and MMPU. However, further research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of app-based interventions. Collaborations among researchers, app developers, mobile phone manufacturers, and policy makers could enhance the process of delivering, evaluating, and optimizing apps aimed at reducing mobile phone use and MMPU.

The prevalence of seatbelt and mobile phone use among drivers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: An observational study

Sociotechnical analysis of nurses’ use of personal mobile phones at work

An important task for the midwife is following up mother-child interaction to facilitate mother-infant attachment. The aim of this study was to explore midwives’ perceptions of parents’ use of mobile phones in the maternity ward. The research question was: Is the use of mobile phones in the maternity ward a threat to patient safety? Two focus group interviews exploring midwives’ perceptions (n = 10) of parent’ use of mobile phones during and after the birth were conducted in January 2016. Systematic text condensation was used to analyse the data, revealing three themes pertaining to safety concerns: Interrupted communication due to parents’ excessive use of mobile phones during labour and postnatally, Unsafe care caused by lack of attention to the newborn baby’s signals as a result of being disturbed by the mobile phone and Unsafe care because of parents interrupting their conversation with the midwife by answering the mobile, acting in a disrespectful manner and failing to pay attention. The midwives’ descriptions of parents’ use of mobile phones in the maternity ward included reflections on mobile phone usage as a permanent phenomenon. They were concerned that parents’ use of mobile phones in the maternity ward could negatively affect the attachment process and considered that it interrupted their work. In conclusion, there is a need for increased awareness of parents’ use of mobile phones in the maternity ward. Further research is required to gain greater insight into the consequences of mobile phone use in order to promote patient safety by ensuring effective communication between parents and midwives. In addition, research is needed to explore the safety discourse, clinical risks and/or health problems involved in the development of infant-parent attachment in newborn babies.

BackgroundThere is a 60% survival gap between children diagnosed with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and those in high-income countries. Low caregiver knowledge about childhood cancer and its treatment results in presentation delays and subsequent treatment abandonment in LMICs. However, in-person education to improve caregiver knowledge can be challenging due to health worker shortages and inadequate training. Due to the rapid expansion of mobile phone use worldwide, mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer an alternative to delivering in-person education.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess patterns of mobile phone ownership and use among Tanzanian caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer as well as their acceptability of an mHealth intervention for cancer education, patient communication, and care coordination.MethodsIn July 2017, caregivers of children <18 years diagnosed with cancer and receiving treatment at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) were surveyed to determine mobile phone ownership, use patterns, technology literacy, and acceptability of mobile phone use for cancer education, patient communication, and care coordination. Descriptive statistics were generated from the survey data by using mean and SD values for continuous variables and percentages for binary or categorical variables.ResultsAll eligible caregivers consented to participate and completed the survey. Of the 40 caregivers who enrolled in the study, most used a mobile phone (n=34, 85%) and expressed high acceptability in using these devices to communicate with a health care provider regarding treatment support (n=39, 98%), receiving laboratory results (n=37, 93%), receiving reminders for upcoming appointments (n=38, 95%), and receiving educational information on cancer (n=35, 88%). Although only 9% (3/34) of mobile phone owners owned phones with smartphone capabilities, about 74% (25/34) self-reported they could view and read SMS text messages.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to assess patterns of mobile phone ownership and use among caregivers of children with cancer in Tanzania. The high rate of mobile phone ownership and caregiver acceptability for a mobile phone–based education and communication strategy suggests that a mobile phone–based intervention, particularly one that utilizes SMS technology, could be feasible in this setting.

ObjectivesAs public concern on possible harmful effects of mobile phone in children has been raised, information of epidemiological characteristics of mobile phone use in children and adolescents will be essential for public health policy.MethodsUsing three databases (n=21,693) collected from 2008 to 2011, we examined characteristics of mobile phone ownership and use, and socioeconomic positions (SEP) in Korean children and adolescents.ResultsThe ownership rate and the amount of mobile phone use were higher in females than males, in higher school grades than lower grades, and at 2011 than 2008. The average age of first mobile phone ownership was shown to decrease from 12.5 years in currently high school students to 8.4 years in currently elementary school students at 2011. More than 90% of children in the 5th grade owned a mobile phone. More children owned a mobile phone in lower SEP communities than in higher SEP. Children with parents educated less than those with parents educated more were more likely to own and use mobile phone.ConclusionsConsidering the epidemiological characteristics of mobile phone use, precautionary measures to prevent unnecessary exposure to mobile phones are needed in children and adolescents.

Background/aim Mobile phone use in children and adolescents has steadily increased over the past decade, and public health concerns about the potential effects of exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields remain. The aim of the present study was to explore socio-demographic predictors of mobile phone ownership as well as call frequency and call time duration. Methods We analysed data from the baseline assessment of the Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones (SCAMP), which was collected between 2014 and 2016. SCAMP is a prospective secondary school-based cohort study established to investigate whether the use of mobile phones and other wireless devices is associated with cognitive, behavioural, educational, and physical and mental health outcomes. Pupils from 39 secondary schools (26 state, 13 independent) in and around London provided self-report data on mobile phone ownership and mobile phone use, including phone call frequency and call time duration. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using age, sex, ethnicity and parental socioeconomic classification to predict current mobile phone ownership and mobile phone use. Results n=6616 pupils participated in the computer assessment at baseline, 83% of whom reported to own a mobile phone. We found a 62% increase in the odds of owning a phone for every year increase in age. Black, Asian and Mixed ethnicity was associated with lower odds of owning a phone compared to White ethnicity. Membership in a lower socioeconomic class was associated with lower odds of mobile phone ownership. We found that with increasing age pupils reported more frequent phone calls, and longer call time duration on weekends. Females reported more phone use than males. Black or Mixed ethnicity was associated with higher levels of phone use compared to White ethnicity, while Asian pupils reported lower phone use. No associations between phone use and socioeconomic classification were found. Conclusion We have shown that differences in the socio-demographic characteristics of pupils are associated with variation in mobile phone ownership as well as call frequency and call time duration. The socio-demographic characteristics that were associated with higher levels of mobile phone ownership were in most cases not associated with higher levels of mobile phone use.

BackgroundThere is a paucity of subnational data on patterns of mobile phone ownership and use in Tanzania to inform the development of digital health interventions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess patterns of mobile phone ownership and use in pregnant women to inform the feasibility and design of digital health interventions for promoting timely uptake of childhood vaccines in southern Tanzania.MethodsBetween August and November 2017, pregnant women in their third trimester were enrolled at health facilities and from surrounding communities, and asked about their patterns of mobile phone ownership and use in an interviewer administered survey.ResultsOf 406 women, only 3 had never used a phone. Most women (>98%) could make and receive phone calls. Compared to urban women, rural women reported higher mobile phone use rates but were less likely to be sole owners of phones, and less likely to send or receive SMS, transact money, browse the internet, or use social media via mobile phones.ConclusionsThe findings suggest high feasibility for digital health interventions delivered via mobile phones to pregnant women in southern Tanzania. The feasibility of smartphone-based interventions or strategies relying on the use of social media or the internet is limited.

The association between mobile phone or tablet use and children’s health remains unclear. The main aim of this study was to examine whether caregiver-rated health and children’s mental disorders were related to their mobile phone use. We conducted a multistage sampling Internet survey of 1535 caregivers living with children aged 0–14 years in Japan. Using this cross-sectional data, multiple regression models were used to test for relationships among factors related to mobile phone use, caregiver-rated child health, and mental disorders. Total mobile phone use time was related to age, number of siblings, availability of Wi-Fi at home, and the child’s ownership of a mobile phone. Age and availability of Wi-Fi at home were positively related to tablet use, but neither the number of siblings nor the child’s ownership of a tablet were related to tablet use. In addition, we examined that tablet use (Odds ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.39–1.00) and Wi-Fi use (Odds ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.47–0.93) were related to low caregiver-rated child health among preschool students. It was newly pointed out that tablet and Wi-Fi use were related to low caregiver-rated child health among preschool students. As young children are likely to be exposed to internet for the purpose of babysitting, this study suggested that parents should be aware of mental influence for tablets and Wi-Fi use.

The million dollar question

Introduction: India continues to be one of the fastest growing major telecom markets in the world. Around 60 million of internet users are from India and 19 to 40 years age group section 85% using internet in India. Young nurses today have wide spread and inexpensive access to the internet. Aims and Objectives: To assess the severity score of mobile phone use and internet use among BSc. Nursing students and to find the relationship between mobile phone and internet use. Study design: descriptive survey. Methods and materials: The study was conducted among 114 BSc. nursing students in Manipal College of nursing Manipal. A convenient sampling technique was used. The data was obtained by using a demographic proforma, mobile phone addiction test and internet addiction test. Results: Most of the subjects 50 (43.9%) belongs to 19-20 years of age. 1.8% subjects reported of having mild addiction to mobile phone use. Three (2.6%) subjects had moderate internet addiction and 35 (30.7%) subjects reported of having mild internet addiction. The 'r' value (r=0.610, p=≤0.001) showed that there is a positive relationship between use of mobile phone and internet use.

In this paper, we present a model that relates epistemic practices and socio-scientific issues (SSI) in science education. In order to develop it, we establish interweavings between norms, practices, epistemic objectives, epistemic cognition, informal reasoning, epistemic practices and justified positioning. We suggest that epistemic cognition is the link between reasoning and epistemic practices. We present three epistemic goals that should guide work with epistemic practices when solving a SSI: recognising and using multiple lines of reasoning when solving the SSI, construction and evaluation of holistic arguments aiming to understand the multiple dimensions of the SSI and the development of sceptical investigations to resolve the SSI. The stated objectives contribute to the critical assessment and resolution of the SSI. We believe that for the construction of social norms in teaching environments with SSI, it should be considered that these questions do not require a “single” answer and, therefore, a space for reflection, awareness and justification of the different perspectives on the question must be allowed. The relationships established in this article contribute to research that aims to develop and analyse epistemic practices “in situ” in teaching contexts with SSI. In addition, they have the potential to provide support to teachers who wish to favour the occurrence of epistemic practices in a SSI approach.