The impact of smart phones and mobile devices on human health and life

Abstract

Background: Overuse of smart devices provides comfort and problems both physically and mentally. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of smart phone and mobile devices on human health and life.Methods: This descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted for three months in Dhaka city among general population aged 18 to 70 years. Four hundred and forty respondents were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected by face to face interview with a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire.Results: Among 440 respondents majority (76.6%) were below 25 years where 72.0% were students. A large proportion (90.5%) used smart phones for communication, 53.4% used for less than 5 hours daily. Majority (65.7%) had other electronic devices, most common 197 (68.1%) were laptop users where 118 (40.8%) used for studying. More than half 322 (73.2%) used earphones, 91 (20.7%) had ear problems and 223 (50.7%) lacked concentration. Many 299 (68.0%) had good relationship with family members, 208 (47.3%) stated that increased use of mobile devices hampered family life, 88 (42.3%) thought it reduced quality family time. Majority users 253 (57.5%) experienced physical discomfort after prolonged use and 95 (37.7%) suffered from headache. Association between age of respondents and time spent on smart devices was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was significant (p<0.05) association between ear problem and ear phone usage.Conclusions: Excessive use of smart phones should be avoided and social awareness increased through health programmes. Potential risks of cell phones and smart devices can be avoided by limiting the use.