Heavy Mobile Phone Users Research Articles

Mobile Phone Influence on Sexual Behaviour of Undergraduate Students: A Case Study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Purpose: The study sought to examine the influence of mobile phone use on sexual behaviour of university students: a case study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. The study specifically, sought to examine the effect of characteristics of mobile phones users, uses and gratification of mobile phones and the frequency of using mobile phones on sexual behaviour of university students in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.
 Methodology: The research design that was adopted was descriptive in nature. The study also used both quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the respondents using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) guides. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using Focus Group Discussions. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique to select the sample size from the three strata, which are the various Faculties in JKUAT. The study then used Fisher’s formula to arrive at an adequate scientific sample size of 384 students who were targeted using convenient sampling, that is those that are ready to respond to the questionnaires and the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The quantitative data in this research was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS v22.0.
 Results: It was concluded that male students are more likely to use protection consistently compared to female students. In addition, the findings imply that consistency in condom use is a factor that is dependent on the age of the individual. In addition, relationship status is a contributor to the behaviour of the students sexually. For those that are in serious relationships, their use of protection declines due to the build-up of emotional and intimate trust towards each other. The findings likewise indicate that the student’s usage of mobile phones correlates significantly with the consistent use of protection for safe sex. Those students who have had their phones since they joined Campus are more likely to practice safe sex. In addition, heavy users of mobile phones are likely to practice safe sex including those who browse the internet for news updates.
 Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommends the media practitioners need to step up the production of morally acceptable media content and offer a platform for advertising and campaigning for sexual conduct by encouraging and stressing the use of protection. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education should actively involve the undergraduate students in reproductive information awareness campaigns for ensuring positive attitudes towards responsible sexual behaviour and promoting best sexual practices.

Are Exposures to Multiple Frequencies the Key to Future Radiofrequency Research?

There is an extensive literature investigating possible effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields associated with mobile phone technologies. This has not identified any public health risks with any degree of certainty. Some epidemiological studies have observed associations between heavy users of mobile phones and some types of cancer, but animal studies do not support this association, although a few studies have reported increased tumor yields. However, there is a crucial difference between epidemiology studies and laboratory work in terms of signals investigated: most people are exposed to a complex mixture of frequencies and signals at varying intensities, whereas the majority of animal studies have been performed using a single frequency or intensity. Whether this might explain the differences in outcome will be discussed, and whether there is a need for additional laboratory investigations that reproduce more accurately realistic exposure conditions will be considered.

Influence of Handheld Mobiles on Parotid: A Cohort Study

Introduction: Mobile phones generate heat and radiofrequency radiation. The parotid gland is one potential target, because mobile phones are pressed against the side of the face where the gland is located. Aims and Objectives: To compare the effect of mobile phone radiation on parotid gland volume, systolic velocity, salivary flow rate, and protein concentration between the dominant and the nondominant side of mobile phone usage among heavy mobile phone users. Materials and Methods: Ultrasonography of the superior lobe of parotid was performed bilaterally to measure gland volume. Systolic velocity of the external carotid artery in gland was calculated bilaterally using color Doppler imaging. Saliva flow rate was measured bilaterally with modified Schrimer strip. Carlson-Crittenden device was used to collect 0.5 ml saliva sample from the duct and biuret assay was done to determine the protein concentration. Settings and Design: A cohort study was conducted with 50 undergraduate students of a dental college based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson correlation test was used to correlate and compare changes in the parameters of parotid gland and analyzed to a significant level of 0.05. Results: The volume, systolic velocity of blood flow of the external carotid artery, the salivary flow rate, and protein concentration of the parotid gland were significantly more by 11.9, 18, 23, and 8%, respectively, on the dominant side than the nondominant side of mobile phone usage. Conclusion: The study emphasized that prolonged mobile phone usage causes biological changes in parotid gland.

Tumor promotion by exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields below exposure limits for humans

The vast majority of in vitro and in vivo studies did not find cancerogenic effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), i.e. emitted by mobile phones and base stations. Previously published results from a pilot study with carcinogen-treated mice, however, suggested tumor-promoting effects of RF-EMF (Tillmann et al., 2010). We have performed a replication study using higher numbers of animals per group and including two additional exposure levels (0 (sham), 0.04, 0.4 and 2 W/kg SAR). We could confirm and extend the originally reported findings. Numbers of tumors of the lungs and livers in exposed animals were significantly higher than in sham-exposed controls. In addition, lymphomas were also found to be significantly elevated by exposure. A clear dose–response effect is absent. We hypothesize that these tumor-promoting effects may be caused by metabolic changes due to exposure. Since many of the tumor-promoting effects in our study were seen at low to moderate exposure levels (0.04 and 0.4 W/kg SAR), thus well below exposure limits for the users of mobile phones, further studies are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Our findings may help to understand the repeatedly reported increased incidences of brain tumors in heavy users of mobile phones.

Effect of mobile phones on hearing

Effect of mobile phones on hearing

The virtualization of urban young people's mobility practices: a time‐geographic typology

.A time‐geographic approach, including time–space diaries and in‐depth interviews, is used to investigate the daily use and implications of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among a group of Swedish urban youth. We identify individual variations and nuances in ICT‐based practices in our respondents' social and spatial contexts. Using individual cases and detailed time‐geographic trajectories, we demonstrate how daily communicative actions – physical and virtual – are combined and integrated. From this we identify four ideal types of mobility practices: (i) home‐oriented, heavy Internet users; (ii) physically mobile, heavy mobile phone users; (iii) physically mobile, heavy Internet and mobile phone users; and (iv) home‐oriented, rarely mobile people (virtually and physically).

Effect of handheld mobile phone use on parotid gland salivary flow rate and volume

Handheld mobile phones emit nonionizing electromagnetic radiations and generate heat during use which can be absorbed by the adjacent tissues. This study observed functional and volumetric changes in the parotid glands associated with mobile phone use. Unstimulated parotid salivary flow rate was measured bilaterally in 142 individuals divided into 2 groups of heavy users and control subjects using a modified Schirmer test. Bilateral parotid ultrasonography was performed to evaluate gland volume. Variation and correlation tests were used to statistically analyze the results. A significant increase in salivary flow rate along with increased blood flow rate and volume of the parotid glands of the side where mobile phones are frequently placed was observed in the heavy user group. Heavy users of mobile phones demonstrated increased salivary flow rate, blood flow rate, and volume of parotid glands.

Mobile Phone Use and Incidence of Glioma in the Nordic Countries 1979–2008

Some case-control studies have reported increased risks of glioma associated with mobile phone use. If true, this would ultimately affect the time trends for incidence rates (IRs). Correspondingly, lack of change in IRs would exclude certain magnitudes of risk. We investigated glioma IR trends in the Nordic countries, and compared the observed with expected incidence rates under various risk scenarios. We analyzed annual age-standardized incidence rates in men and women aged 20 to 79 years during 1979-2008 using joinpoint regression (35,250 glioma cases). Probabilities of detecting various levels of relative risk were computed using simulations. For the period 1979 through 2008, the annual percent change in incidence rates was 0.4% (95% confidence interval = 0.1% to 0.6%) among men and 0.3% (0.1% to 0.5%) among women. Incidence rates have decreased in young men (20-39 years) since 1987, remained stable in middle-aged men (40-59 years) throughout the 30-year study period, and increased slightly in older men (60-79 years). In simulations, assumed relative risks for all users of 2.0 for an induction time of up to 15 years, 1.5 for up to 10 years, and 1.2 for up to 5 years were incompatible with observed incidence time trends. For heavy users of mobile phones, risks of 2.0 for up to 5 years' induction were also incompatible. No clear trend change in glioma incidence rates was observed. Several of the risk increases seen in case-control studies appear to be incompatible with the observed lack of incidence rate increase in middle-aged men. This suggests longer induction periods than currently investigated, lower risks than reported from some case-control studies, or the absence of any association.

Validation of exposure assessment and assessment of recruitment methods for a prospective cohort study of mobile phone users (COSMOS) in Finland: a pilot study

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate the agreement between self-reported and operator-derived estimates of call time based on a three-month monitoring period, as well as the consistency of mobile phone use over time. Alternative approaches to improve participation in a cohort study of mobile phone users were also compared.MethodsA total of 5,400 subjects were identified from network operators' subscriber databases for recruitment to the pilot study. Operator and questionnaire data were used to quantify mobile phone use. Operator data were available for a subset of the subjects for a three-month period in three consecutive years. We also evaluated the effect of the length of the questionnaire and one- or two-phase recruitment on participation.ResultsThe average response rate for both questionnaires and recruitment procedures was 12%. The response rate was not affected by the length of the questionnaire or the recruitment method.Operator data were available for 83% of the participants for 2007, the first study year. The agreement between self-reported and operator-derived call times decreased with the level of use among intermediate and heavy mobile phone users. During 2007-2009, mobile phone use increased fairly constantly over time.ConclusionsThe agreement between self-reported mobile phone use and operator databases was moderate and overestimation of the call time by participants was common. A prospective cohort study would be feasible in Finland, although the potentially low participation rate would increase the resources required for recruitment.

There is currently enough evidence and technology available to warrant taking immediate steps to reduce exposure of consumers to cell‐phone‐related electromagnetic radiation

There is currently enough evidence and technology available to warrant taking immediate steps to reduce exposure of consumers to cell‐phone‐related electromagnetic radiation

Adopting mobile internet: a demographic and usage perspective

Based on an online survey of American consumers, the author found that mobile internet adopters tended to be younger, non-Caucasian, lower income, single male with higher career mobility. Surprisingly, contrary to fixed internet adoption, education played no significant role in predicting mobile internet adoption. Heavy mobile phone users were more likely to adopt mobile internet. On the opposite, heavy fixed internet users were less likely to adopt mobile internet. Interestingly, the demographics and usage patterns of consumers who perceived higher importance of having mobile internet capabilities did not match those of who indicated higher likelihood of adopting mobile internet.

Mobile phone usage for m‐learning: comparing heavy and light mobile phone users

PurposeMobile technologies offer the opportunity to embed learning in a natural environment. The objective of the study is to examine how the usage of mobile phones for m‐learning differs between heavy and light mobile phone users. Heavy mobile phone users are hypothesized to have access to/subscribe to one type of mobile content than light mobile phone users, to have less frequent access to, subscribe to or purchase mobile content within the last year than light mobile phone users, and to pay less money for mobile learning, its content and mobile games than light mobile phone users.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 436 respondents. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was run to examine how the usage of mobile phone for m‐learning differs between heavy and light mobile phone users in terms of access/subscription to several types of mobile content, frequency of access to, subscription to, and purchase of mobile content within the last year, and maximum amount of money paid for mobile learning, its content and mobile games.FindingsSignificant differences can be identified when comparing the usage of mobile phones for m‐learning between heavy and light mobile phone users. It was found that heavy mobile phone users access/subscribe to more than one type of mobile content than light mobile phone users, have more frequent access to, subscription to and purchase of mobile content within the last year than light mobile phone users, and to spend more money on mobile learning, its content and mobile games than light mobile phone users.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should aim at a deeper understanding of mobile phone usage for learning by including new variables and mediating variables and applying a multivariate analysis of data such as structural equation modelling to interpret the results, as this would allow for a simultaneous relationship among endogenous and exogenous variables, serve as a purposeful representation of the reality from which the data has been extracted, and provide a parsimonious explanation of the data.Practical implicationsMobile content needs to be developed specifically for mobiles, with clear images and good quality sound to enable users to continue to come back and enjoy new segments and features. Mobile phones must be small, reliable, and convenient devices that can provide the full spectrum of information and entertainment options to users.Originality/valueThis research provides a new perspective on mobile phone usage for m‐learning among Malaysian mobile phone users.

Mobile marketing to millennials

Discusses the relevance of mobile phone technology in marketing to young consumers aged between 18 and 22; these are the millennials who are heavy mobile phone users and often the architects of change in US culture. Shows how permission is vital in connecting with these consumers interactively: they do not hate all advertising, but they hate “spim”, which is receiving, and paying for, spam messages over their mobile phone instant messaging systems. Describes some relevant features of this converging technology: podcasting and mobcasting, super‐megapixel camera phones, television on demand, purseless payments using radio frequency identification (RFID), recognition technologies, and mobile teleconferencing. Suggests some strategies for marketing to millennials: develop case‐specific insights, target mindsets, and develop new ways of connecting with consumers. Illustrates this with the story of how Doritos promoted a new snack flavour line by targeting mobile phone‐owning millennials with billboards, instant messaging and websites.