EFFECTS OF MOBILE PHONE USE ON THE SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS OF A PUBLIC SECTOR MEDICAL COLLEGE IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PAKISTAN

Background: Mobile phones were initially marketed as a source of communication but technology took such leaps
that now Mobile phone doesn’t mean a mere gadget to us anymore; it means the world to us. Although we can’t deny
the benefits of mobile phones but at the same time we have to admit that this technology has silently crept into our
personal and social life. Inventions are planned for the benefit of mankind. However, their unforeseen side effects are
inevitable which are unveiled only with their use and more so with their overuse.
Considering overuse, Pakistan is ranking 7th among the top mobile phone using countries according to World Fact book.
Most of the subscribers comprise youth. Especially considering the demanding academic life of medical students, we
planned a research to know if the use of mobile phones has affected their personal and social life, health and academics.
Objectives: The objectives were to know the effects of mobile phone use on personal lifestyle, academics and psychosocial
aspects of student’s life according to their point of view.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted over a period of four months (Feb 2014-May 2014) on a
sample of 308 female medical students of a public sector female medical college of Khyber Pakhtunkwa. Students of
all professionals were included. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used. Chi sq test was applied on
selective variables. Data entry and analysis was done through SPSS-20.
Results: Out of 308 students 97% had cell phones in which 81% students reported a change in their routine after
getting a cell phone, 56% stated that their sleeping routine and other activities like games, exercise and other hobbies
were affected, academic performance of 53% students was affected, 69% believed that they were distracted from the
surroundings and 58% use phones even in company of others due to which their social relations were compromised.
84% repeatedly check their mobile phones to see whether they have received any calls or not.
Conclusion: The study showed that excess use of mobile phones causes negative impacts.