Mobile phone using pattern and the perception amongst university students in Dhaka City

Abstract

In modern days, people are using cell phone not only as telephone but also as a media for text messaging, email, internet access, short-range wireless communications (Bluetooth), gaming and photography. Besides its hazardous physiological effect due to electromagnetic radiations; it can act as a feasible microbiological threat, serving as vehicles to transfer contamination from place to place. This study investigated the extent of mobile phone use amongst university students and thereby explores perceived effect on their academic performance, as well as it determines personal hygiene factors, the relationships between its using pattern and the psychological effect involved with it. A random sampling was employed to identify the students (N=220) who are using mobile for the last one year from different universities in Dhaka city. The data analyzed using SPSS version 18.0 (SPSSInc.) and are summarized as counts and percentages. Key findings from the study state that out of total 109 (49.5%) male and 111(50.5%) female participants, maximum belongs to age range 21-25 years (70%). Of them, male participants are 70.6 % and female are 69.4%. 37.73% students are using cell phone for 3-5 hours mostly for conversation (50.45%).29.4% male and 32.4% female students agreed that cell phone use can hamper their study very much.46.8% male and 19.8% female students are using cell phone in toilet and 67.27% students confessed that they do not use any disinfectant to wash their cell phone. 51.36% students admitted they feel pain on shoulder or hand while using mobile; when 23.39% felt eye discomfort. Most of the students (75%) put mobile under the pillow while 38.64% are using it when the charge is below 30%. Moreover, 45% male and 54% female students are using it at late night. This exploratory study may be helpful as a preliminary background for further research in this field.