Non-smartphone Users Research Articles

Smartphone Use in the Management of Neurological Emergencies: A Simulation-Based Study.

Smartphone use in medicine is nearly universal despite a dearth of research assessing utility in clinical performance. We sought to identify and define smartphone use during simulated neuroemergencies. In this retrospective review of a prospective observational single-center simulation-based study, participants ranging from subinterns to attending physicians and stratified by training level (novice, intermediate, and advanced) managed a variety of neurological emergencies. The primary outcome was frequency and purpose of smartphone use. Secondary outcomes included success rate of smartphone use and performance (measured by completion of critical tasks) of participants who used smartphones versus those who did not. In subgroup analyses we compared outcomes across participants by level of training using t-tests and χ2 statistics. One hundred and three participants completed 245 simulation scenarios. Smartphones were used in 109 (45%) simulations. Of participants using smartphones, 102 participants looked up medication doses, 52 participants looked up management guidelines, 11 participants looked up hospital protocols, and 13 participants used smartphones for assistance with an examination scale. Participants found the correct answer 73% of the time using smartphones. There was an association between participant level and smartphone use with intermediate participants being more likely to use their smartphones than novice or advanced participants, 53% versus 29% and 26%, respectively (p < 0.05). Of the intermediate participants, those who used smartphones did not perform better during the simulation scenario than participants who did not use smartphones (smartphone users' mean score [standard deviation] = 12.3 [2.9] vs. nonsmartphone users' mean score [standard deviation] = 12.9 (2.7), p = 0.85). Participants commonly used smartphones in simulated neuroemergencies but use didn't confer improved clinical performance. Less experienced participants were the most likely to use smartphones and less likely to arrive at correct conclusions, and thus are the most likely to benefit from an evidence-based smartphone application for neuroemergencies.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SMARTPHONE USE AND HEALTH BEHAVIORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract People actively use smartphones to maintain and improve their health in the digital era. With this, evidence exists of the positive effect of smartphone use on the well-being of people with disabilities. This study aimed to examine the preferred sources of health information among older adults with disabilities and the association between smartphone use and healthy behaviors. This study is based on data from the 2017 national survey on persons with disabilities carried out in South Korea. A total of 4,014 participants aged 60 and above were included. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to verify the association between smartphone use and health behaviors. As the study reports, 37.7% were smartphone users and 62.3% were non-smartphone users. Among health information resources, participants identified mass media, medical institutions, and acquaintances as the first, second, and third preferred sources, regardless of smartphone use. However, a higher proportion of non-smartphone users reported having no health information available to them compared to smartphone users (5.7% vs. 1.3%, respectively). Regarding health behaviors, older adults with disabilities who use smartphones are more likely to have regular health checkups (Odd Ratio [OR], 1.51), cancer screenings (OR 1.33), dental examinations (OR 1.26), and exercise (OR 1.47), and to consume a balanced diet (OR 1.23) compared to non-smartphone users. Although these results do not prove causal relationship, smartphone use is associated with healthy behaviors in this population. Considering that healthy lifestyles are crucial to achieving active aging, resolving the disability digital divide is needed for older adults with disabilities.

Smartphone Use Is Associated with Low Prevalence of Locomotive Syndrome among Elderly Individuals with Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Objectives: Physical activity management through smartphone applications is increasing worldwide; however, it is unclear whether smartphone users among elderly Japanese individuals with musculoskeletal disorders are less likely to experience “locomotive syndrome” (LoS). We aimed to test the hypothesis that LoS in smartphone users had lower prevalence than that in non-smartphone users among elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: Elderly participants, aged ≥60 years, who visited the outpatient clinic were enrolled. All participants were asked whether or not they used smartphones and were allocated into either the smartphone group or the non-smartphone group. After completing the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25), LoS prevalence was determined by 3-stage cutoff values of the GLFS-25 score (≥7, ≥16, and ≥24), and the total and three subdomain scores (body pain, movement-related difficulty, and psychosocial complications) were compared between the two groups. Generalized linear regression was then performed to confirm whether the use of smartphones was associated with lower GLFS-25 scores, even after controlling for confounders. Results: Overall, 266 participants, aged ≥60 years, were recruited. LoS prevalence was significantly higher in the non-smartphone group than in the smartphone group at all stages (all p < 0.001). Mean GLFS-25 total and subdomain scores were significantly lower in the smartphone group than in the non-smartphone group (all p < 0.001), and these statistical relationships were maintained even after controlling for age and sex. Conclusions: Smartphone use was associated with low LoS prevalence and low GLFS-25 scores among elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, although the causal relationship remains unclear.

Information search by smartphone and tourists’ spatial behavior

This study explores if tourists’ information search via smartphone can be related to unplanned destination visits during a trip. An online survey was conducted by using email addresses obtained from respondents who had visited South Carolina coastal sites. Through a series of non-parametric tests, this study revealed that the ratio of unplanned destination visits was different between smartphone users and non-users. It also found differences in the ratio of unplanned destinations visited between tourism information searchers and non-searchers, but attraction information was the only significant variable. Non-smartphone users tended to be more spontaneous and flexible than the smartphone use group in trip planning. Since non-smartphone users might have few alternative plans for immediately coping with unexpected or constrained situations, they might skip planned destinations and/or move on to unplanned destinations where they would assume that they could get the experiences/activities that they expected. As such, the level of decision-making flexibility of non-smartphone users during a trip could become higher than smartphone users. This study discusses the implications of smartphone use on tourists’ spatial behavior (i.e., unplanned destination visits) and decision making in the conclusion.

Clinical, electrophysiological, and ultrasound evaluation for early detection of musculoskeletal hand disorders and nerve entrapment in mobile phone users

IntroductionSmartphone overuse may lead to musculoskeletal manifestations, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and arthritis of hand joints, with an increased median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA). ObjectiveThe aim of this study is the early detection of musculoskeletal hand disorders using ultrasound techniques, and to detect nerve entrapment using clinical evaluation, ultrasound, and electrophysiological studies, in university employees younger than 35 years using mobile phones. Function is assessed using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Materials and methodsCross-sectional controlled study included 74 smartphone users classified into two groups according to a smartphone addiction scale (SAS), into high and low smart phone users, with 35 non-smartphone users with matched age and gender as a control group. A clinical assessment of nerve entrapment symptoms was performed, and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), with a total score from 0 to100, was used to assess hand function. Electrodiagnostic studies of median and ulnar nerves were used to detect early nerve entrapment. Bilateral ultrasound was performed in order to assess the median nerve CSA and involvement of thumb and small hand joints. The data collected were analysed using the SPSS program version 20. ResultsCSAs of median nerves were significantly higher in the dominant hand of high smartphone users than in low and non-smartphone users (p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between CSA and SAS (r=0.45), visual analogue scale (VAS) (r=0.61), and duration of smartphone use (r=0.80), with negative correlation with MHQ (r=−0.63). Significant differences in were found in the electrophysiological studies of median and ulnar nerves. The mean ultrasound score for both hands was higher in the high smartphone users compared to low smartphone users (15.08±4.17 vs. 6.46±1.38, p<.001). ConclusionsThere is increased median nerve CSAs among high smartphone users associated with prolongation of both sensory and motor latencies and slow conduction velocities. Caution should be exercised when using mobile phones, in order to minimise the risk of developing hand musculoskeletal disorders.

Effect of Smart Phone Use on Handgrip Strength and Fatigue in Female College Students

Abstract Background: Smart phone is a device that combines mobile and cellular functions in one unit. Many smart phone users spend hours on the irphones every day that require esprolonged grips, repetitive motion on small buttons and awkwardwrist movement leading to hand, wrist and arm ailments. Aim of Study: To investigate the effect of smartphone overuse on handgrip strength. Material and Methods: One hundred and eighty-eight female college students of King Saud University were included in the study. The study was conducted between June 2016 and December 2018. They were divided into two groups: Smartphone users (n=103) and non-smartphone users (n=85), between the agerange, 18-25 years, were included. Their handgrip strength was measured usinga handheld dynamometer. Participants performed three maximum at tempts for each measurement, and the average value of three trials was taken. A few seconds of rest were given between each trial tominimize fatigue. We analyzed the difference between the groups using paired t-test. Results: No significant difference was found between theright and left hand's grip strengthson both groups (p>0.05). The fatigue evalues were also not significantly different (p>0.05). The significance level was set at p£0.05. Conclusion: High-frequency smartphone use did not affect the grip strength in female college students.

Clinical, electrophysiological, and ultrasound evaluation for early detection of musculoskeletal hand disorders and nerve entrapment in mobile phone users

IntroductionSmartphone overuse may lead to musculoskeletal manifestations, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and arthritis of hand joints, with an increased median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA). ObjectiveThe aim of this study is the early detection of musculoskeletal hand disorders using ultrasound techniques, and to detect nerve entrapment using clinical evaluation, ultrasound, and electrophysiological studies, in university employees younger than 35 years using mobile phones. Function is assessed using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Materials and methodsCross-sectional controlled study included 74 smartphone users classified into two groups according to a smartphone addiction scale (SAS), into high and low smart phone users, with 35 non-smartphone users with matched age and gender as a control group. A clinical assessment of nerve entrapment symptoms was performed, and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), with a total score from 0 to100, was used to assess hand function. Electrodiagnostic studies of median and ulnar nerves were used to detect early nerve entrapment. Bilateral ultrasound was performed in order to assess the median nerve CSA and involvement of thumb and small hand joints. The data collected were analysed using the SPSS program version 20. ResultsCSAs of median nerves were significantly higher in the dominant hand of high smartphone users than in low and non-smartphone users (p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between CSA and SAS (r=0.45), visual analogue scale (VAS) (r=0.61), and duration of smartphone use (r=0.80), with negative correlation with MHQ (r=−0.63). Significant differences in were found in the electrophysiological studies of median and ulnar nerves. The mean ultrasound score for both hands was higher in the high smartphone users compared to low smartphone users (15.08±4.17 vs. 6.46±1.38, p<.001). ConclusionsThere is increased median nerve CSAs among high smartphone users associated with prolongation of both sensory and motor latencies and slow conduction velocities. Caution should be exercised when using mobile phones, in order to minimise the risk of developing hand musculoskeletal disorders.

Smartphone use and primary headache: A cross-sectional hospital-based study.

To determine the association of smartphone use with occurrence of new-onset headache and/or increased severity of headaches in patients with primary headache. In a cross-sectional study between June 2017 and December 2018, patients with primary headache were divided into 2 groups: smartphone users (SUs) and non-smartphone users (NSUs). A questionnaire was administered for headache characteristics and treatment taken. The primary objective was to determine the association of smartphone use with new-onset headache or increase severity. The secondary objective was to determine any differences in the requirement of acute medication and prophylaxis. Four hundred patients were included in the study, of which 194 were NSUs and 206 were SUs. The NSUs were older with lower education and socioeconomic status. The headache characteristics were similar in both the groups, except for higher occurrence of aura (NSUs: 15 [7.7%] vs SUs: 36 [17.5%]; p = 0.003) in the SU group. There was, however, higher proportion of patients taking analgesics (NSUs: 157 [80.9%] vs SUs: 197 [95.6%]; p < 0.001), with less relief in headache with medication in the SU group. This was driven by increased pill count (low SUs: 5.0 [3.0; 10.0] vs high SUs: 10.0 [5.0; 15.0]; p = 0.007) and poor response to medication in the high SU group. The use of smartphone was associated with increase in requirement of acute medication and less relief with acute medication. Longitudinal studies may be required to confirm these findings.

Pedestrian smartphone distraction: Prevalence and potential severity

To better understand the incidence and potential severity of pedestrian smartphone distraction in a city location, a non-invasive observational study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. Video recordings of pedestrians crossing roads at eight city sites were undertaken during daytime conditions. Data were analysed both for pedestrian use of different smartphone functions such as hand-held calls, and for ‘critical events’ such as crossing the road at a prohibited time. The results found that, on average, 20% of pedestrians were using their smartphones when crossing roads, significantly more critical events occurred with smartphone users compared to non-smartphone users, and that the pattern of critical events was different for smartphone and non-smartphone users. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of further research and potential countermeasures to minimise the occurrence, or impact, of pedestrian distraction.

How Social Impact Affects Smartphone Brand Loyalty

ABSTRACT Recently, we have seen strong smartphone brands are associated repeatedly with exceptional sales, such as buyers queuing at Apple Stores on the first day of product release while some others are not. However, what factors influence our decision on choosing a particular brand of smartphone? Finding answers of this question is meaningful to the academic field as well as the sales of smartphones. This study tends to understand how product functions and social aspects have relationships on the emergence of the aforementioned phenomenon through validating a proposed model based on the survey results. A total of 319 valid questionnaires from smartphone and nonsmartphone users in Taiwan were received by this study. Our study found social dimensions namely, convergence, innovation, and network externality were the antecedents for product utility, and these antecedents are indirectly influencing to brand loyalty. Some implications and suggestions for smartphone manufacturers/retailers, governments, and academics are also given.

Digital disparities and vulnerability: mobile phone use, information behaviour, and disaster preparedness in Southeast Asia.

This paper proposes an ecological view to investigate how disparities in mobile technology use reflect vulnerabilities in communities vis-à-vis disaster preparedness. Data (n=1,603) were collected through a multi-country survey conducted equally in rural and urban areas of Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam, where mobile technology has become a dominant and ubiquitous communication and information medium. The findings show that smartphone users' routinised use of mobile technology and their risk perception are significantly associated with disaster preparedness behaviour indirectly through disaster-related information sharing. In addition to disaster-specific social support, smartphone users' disaster-related information repertoires are another strong influencing factor. In contrast, non-smartphone users are likely to rely solely on receipt of disaster-specific social support as the motivator of disaster preparedness. The results also reveal demographic and rural-urban differences in disaster information behaviour and preparedness. Given the increasing shift from basic mobile phone models to smartphones, the theoretical and policy-oriented implications of digital disparities and vulnerability are discussed.

Sexting in Poland and the United States: A Comparative Study of Personal and Social- Situational Factors

IntroductionSocially interactive technology (e.g., mobile phone text messaging, social network sites like Facebook and Twitter, etc.) has permanently changed our communication landscape, allowing users to interact electronically with one another in a way that was once inconceivable - being physically absent yet instantaneously accessible and connected. These new communication technologies have altered the ways we interact with one another, even in the most intimate of relationships. In recent years, we have come to observe documentation regarding the role that such technology plays in sexual behavior. Considerable attention has been given to the growing phenomenon of sexting, which refers to the sharing or transfer of nude/sexually suggestive photos, videos, and images through electronic means such as mobile phone text messaging services, smartphone apps (e.g., Tinder, Snapchat), or online services (e.g., emails, chat rooms, instant messages) via computer, tablet, and other electronic devices. Sexting is a modern method of sexual expression and intimate communication, and predilection for it seems to be on the rise. It is estimated that about 10% of cell phone users have sent a sext message and 20% received one, with smartphone users being over twice as likely as non-smartphone users to do so (Lenhart & Duggan, 2014), yet estimates of sexting vary based on other factors. Nevertheless, the capacity for smartphones to share photos and videos in text messages and to connect with others through mobile phone apps or on the Internet has paved the way for such immediate exchanges.The purpose of the current study is to investigate personal and social-situational factors that may influence sexting. Specifically, the study examines whether: 1) age, gender, and nationality influence sexting, 2) technology factors relate to sexting, 3) the normalization of intimate behavior occurring through technology impacts sexting, and 4) risk exposure is associated with sexting.Prior Researcha. AgeStudies on the prevalence of sexting reveal its popularity with younger generations. When examining teenagers, one study found that 15% of cell-phone owners aged 12-17 received nude or nearly nude images while 4% sent such media to another (Lenhart, 2009), and another study found estimates to be substantially higher, with 40% of high school students reporting having received a sext and 18% having sent one (Strassberg et al., 2010). While much of the research focuses on teenagers, research on young adults is also growing and indicates that this age group is critical to study. Young adults have higher rates of these behaviors than teenagers, and they are also more likely to send, receive, and forward texts than older adults (Lenhart & Duggan, 2014). In one study, Benotsch and colleagues (2013) found that nearly half (44%) of the sample reporting engaging in sexting. Likewise, a PewResearch Poll revealed that nearly half of cell phone owners between the ages of 18-24 (44%) reported having received a sext and over one-quarter of those ages 25-34 (22%) reported having sent a sext. Nearly 10% of these young adults have even reported forwarded the sext to someone else. Outside of college populations, one study indicated that 70% of 18-24 year olds received some type of sexually suggestive content from someone, which was the largest percentage of all age groups (The Futures Company, 2014). Most of these images were shared with intimate partners.Young adults represent the highest percentage of technology users. According to data from 2017,100%of individuals between the ages of 18-29 have a mobile phone, with 92% own a smartphone (Mobile Fact Sheet, 2017), up from 86% of smart phone owners in 2015 (Anderson, 2015). The vast majority use social media/Internet (Greenwood et al., 2016). They are also at an age following adolescence where romantic feelings and sexual intimacy grow more common (Miller & Benson, 1999). …

Real-Time Data Collection Using Text Messaging in a Primary Care Clinic.

The use of text messaging is nearly ubiquitous and represents a promising method of collecting data from diverse populations. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of text message surveys in a clinical setting and to describe key lessons to minimize attrition. We obtained a convenience sample of individuals who entered the waiting room of a low-income, primary care clinic. Participants were asked to answer between 17 and 30 survey questions on a variety of health-related topics, including both open- and closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the participants and determine the response rates. Bivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of incomplete surveys. Our convenience sample consisted of 461 individuals. Of those who attempted the survey, 80% (370/461) completed it in full. The mean age of respondents was 35.4 years (standard deviation = 12.4). Respondents were predominantly non-Hispanic black (42%) or non-Hispanic white (41%), female (75%), and with at least some college education (70%). Of those who completed the survey, 84% (312/370) reported willingness to do another text message survey. Those with incomplete surveys answered a median of nine questions before stopping. Smartphone users were less likely to leave the survey incomplete compared with non-smartphone users (p = 0.004). Text-message surveys are a feasible and acceptable method to collect real-time data among low-income, clinic-based populations. Offering participants a setting for immediate survey completion, minimizing survey length, simplifying questions, and allowing "free text" responses for all questions may optimize response rates.

Why not be “smarter”? Examining the factors that influence the behavioral intentions of non-smartphone users

PurposeDespite the evident and dramatic increase in smartphone usage worldwide, some consumers continue to use traditional mobile phones. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavioral intentions of these laggard and non-smartphone users.Design/methodology/approachThis current study examines the effects of consumer demographics, psychographics, and smartphone characteristics on the intentions of non-smartphone consumers to switch or resist the use of smartphones. Data were collected using a convenience sample of non-smartphone users in Taiwan. The proposed model is tested using the consistent partial least squares (PLSc) path modeling technique.FindingsPLSc results indicate that consumer psychographics and smartphone characteristics play more important roles than consumer demographics. Specifically, price consciousness, nostalgia, and perceived ease of use are good predictors of intention to switch, whereas perceived usefulness and ease of use are strong predictors of the intention to resist smartphone adoption.Practical implicationsThe results of this study have implications for mobile phone vendors and mobile manufacturers who target non-smartphone users or laggard adopters.Originality/valueThis study is among the few that focus on non-smartphone users’ perceptions of smartphones. Hence, this empirical study could contribute to the development and testing of theories related to the smartphone adoption process.

Sociable People Beware? Investigating Smartphone Versus Nonsmartphone Dependency Symptoms Among Young Singaporeans

Our purpose in this web-based study was to relate smartphone and nonsmartphone use to symptoms of mobile phone dependency, and to examine sociability in this context. We used a stratified sampling method to recruit 551 Singaporean undergraduates. The results showed that young smartphone users tended to have greater mobile phone dependency and more severe symptoms than nonsmartphone users did. We found that utilizing mobile Internet and text messaging were both positively associated with smartphone users' dependency. Regardless of phone type used, the level of sociability of mobile phone users was positively associated with mobile dependency and symptoms of feeling anxious and lost, and withdrawal/escape.

Social capital or social interruption: the impact of smartphone use

The study aims to explore the impact of smartphone use on Facebook users' daily lives, particularly in terms of the development and maintenance of one's social capital, the level of perceived social interruption and the relationships between the two. The sample consisted of 789 university students in Taiwan. Two types of social capital, namely bonding and bridging, are examined. The results indicated that smartphone users developed and maintained social capital more easily and at the same time were interrupted more than non-smartphone users. A positive relation between social interruption and social capital was found for Facebook users with or without smartphones. The more social interruptions one experienced, the more social capital one possessed, regardless of smartphone uses.

Investigation and Design of Mobile OPAC Services (MOS) for Non-Smartphone Users

This research focuses on providing Online Public Access Catalog services to university students via mobile phone in order to enhance the traditional library walk in services and online library access using a computer. This research comprises of three main findings in relation with mobile OPAC services. First, it investigates student’s perception in using mobile phone to access OPAC services in the educational environment. Next, it identifies and adopts mobile content design guidelines in the development of Mobile OPAC Services (MOS) prototype application. Third, it develops MOS prototype Application for NonSmartphone users. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques conducted to identify student’s uses and needs for mobile library services access. The survey derived 73% of the students prefer to access the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) via mobile phone. The reason being is that OPAC provide major services of the library such as searching for learning materials, new titles in the library, reservation list and other related services. By conducting the survey, we discovered 71% of the students are using non-smart phone because they are still studying and unable to buy a smart phone which is expensive. Based on this finding we design a Mobile OPAC Service (MOS) prototype application for university students to access Online Public Access Catalog services via non-smart phones. The mobile OPAC services will bring libraries one step ahead in the wireless information technology world in meeting their patrons needs and providing quality education resources.