Use of Smartphones as a Risk Factor for the Development of Morbidities in the Wrist and Fingers / Uso de smartphones como fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de morbidades no punho e nos dedos*

Abstract Objective To investigate the long-term use of smartphones as a risk factor for the development of morbidities in the wrist and fingers. Methods The present is a descriptive, exploratory study with a quantitative approach based on injury prevalence among one hundred smartphone users of a private university in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. We applied a semi-structured questionnaire and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), as well as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Finkelstein, Phalen, reverse Phalen, and Tinel signal tests on the wrist. Results The average of the sample was of 22.73 years, with a prevalence of single, right-handed female participants. Most of them had been using smartphones for 5 to 10 years, and 85% reported discomfort in the wrist and fingers while using the device, with numbness as the most prevalent symptom. Most clinical tests were negative, and the Finklestein test showed greater positivity. The BCTQ is composed of a symptom severity scale (S scale) and a functional status scale (F scale): the overall score on the S scale was of 1.61, indicating mild to moderate symptoms, and the F scale revealed that the symptoms did not affect functionality. Conclusion There was a significant correlation between the length of use of smartphones and discomfort in the wrist and fingers; as such, smartphones are a risk factor for the development of morbidities.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar o uso de smartphones em longo prazo como fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de morbidades no nível do punho e dos dedos. Métodos Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, exploratório, de abordagem quantitativa, para a obtenção de medidas de prevalência com cem acadêmicos usuários de smartphones de uma faculdade privada localizada no sertão de Pernambuco. Foram aplicados um questionário semiestruturado e o Questionário de Síndrome doTúnel do Carpo de Boston (Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, BCTQ, na sigla em inglês), além da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) e dos testes de Finkesltein, Phalen, Phalen reverso, e sinal de Tinel no punho. Resultados A idade média da amostra foi de 22,73 anos, com prevalência de solteiros, de destros, e do sexo feminino. O tempo de uso do smartphone indicado pela maioria dos participantes era entre 5 e 10 anos, e 85% da amostra relatou já ter sentido desconforto no punho e nos dedos durante o uso do aparelho, sendo a dormência o sintoma mais prevalente. Com relação aos testes clínicos, houve prevalência de resultados negativos, e o de Finklestein apresentou maior positividade. Quanto ao BCTQ, dividido em duas escalas, uma de gravidade dos sintomas (escala G) e uma de estado funcional (escala F), a média geral das pontuações foi de 1,61 na escala G, o que indica sintomas de leve a moderados, já a escala F revelou que os sintomas não afetavam a funcionalidade. Conclusão Foi possível observar uma correlação significativa entre o tempo de uso dos smartphones e a presença de desconforto no punho e nos dedos, o que indica que se trata de um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de morbidades.

A cross-sectional descriptive study of internet addiction among second MBBS students of a medical college in India

Background: Internet addiction disorder is identified as a matter of grave concern likely to cause physical, psychological, and social issues. Hence, this survey was designed to study its degree and impact on second MBBS students of a medical college in India. Aims and Objectives: Objectives were to determine the degree of internet addiction, its effect on personal relationships, academics, psychological and physical health along with commonly accessed applications, and monthly expenditure. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out wherein each participant was provided with a pre-validated questionnaire of which Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was a part. Results: Of 108 participants, the ratio of males to females was 1:1. According to the IAT score, regular use was noted in 28 students whereas mild and moderate addiction was observed in 53 and 27 students, respectively. Academic performance was most affected (3.71 ± 2.03 vs. 6.53 ± 2.49 vs. 9.15 ± 1.59) while personal relationships were least affected (1.43 ± 1.45 vs. 2.07 ± 1.59 vs. 2.96 ± 2.63) across all grades. Deleterious effect on physical and psychological health was seen with increasing grades of addiction which was statistically significant. Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Google were commonly accessed with majority (n = 94) of participants spending <500 INR monthly. Conclusion: Our study inferred that mild and moderate addiction was commonly seen in students and can be a potential cause for physical and psychosocial issues. Nonetheless, the situation can be managed by employing a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and support group therapy.

Relationship between exposure to mobile phones and other electronic products and the ability development in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To identify the relationship between exposure to mobile phones and other electronic products and the ability development in children.Methods:Retrospective study.A total of 218 children aged 0.5-6.0 years presented to the Department of Health Care, Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University form September 2019 to June 2020 for developmental examination were included.Those with nervous system, mental system diseases, endocrine system diseases and premature children were excluded.Their development was evaluated and the information about exposure to mobiles phones and other electronic products were collected. Chi- square test and Fisher′ s exact probability method were used to analyze the relationship between the exposure to mobile phones and other electronic products and the ability development in children.The influencing factors of children′s development in various fields were analyzed by the binary Logistic regression. Results:Abnormal fine movements of children aged 0.5-0.9 years were related to the latest time every night of exposure ( P<0.05). Abnormalities of adaptability, language and social self-care in children aged 1.0-2.9 years and abnormality of language in children aged 3.0-5.9 years were correlated with the number of hours of daily exposure (all P<0.05). Abnormalities of language and social self-care in children aged 1.0-2.9 years and abnormalities of adaptability, language and social self-care in children aged 3.0-5.9 years were correlated with the purposes of exposure (all P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis indicated that the children′s gross motor was affected by the number of hours of daily exposure ( OR=1.868, P<0.05). The children′s fine motor movements were affected by mother′s educational level and the latest time every night of exposure ( OR=1.722, 2.355, all P<0.05). The children′s adaptability was affected by mother′s educational level, child caregivers, the number of hours of daily exposure and the latest time every night of exposure ( OR=1.711, 2.866, 1.895, 1.650, all P<0.05). The children′s speech was affected by the number of hours of daily exposure, the latest time every night of exposure, and the purposes of exposure (telephone or video phone, early education or study)( OR=2.348, 1.806, 0.328/0.350, all P<0.05). The children′s social interaction and self-care delay were affected by mother′s educational level, the number of hours of daily exposure and the purposes of exposure (telephone or video phone, early education or study)( OR=1.647, 2.678, 0.307/0.363, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The adverse effects of exposure to mobile phones and other electronic products on children should be well concerned.The exposure time of developing young children should be strictly controlled to prevent the adverse effects on the nervous system and development in children.For children who were already affected, relevant habits and behaviors should be timely corrected to avoid irreversible damages.

Desenvolvimento de aplicativo móvel para avaliar, tratar e prevenir lesão por pressão / Desarrollo de aplicación móvil para evaluar, tratar y prevenir lesión por presión / Development of a mobile app to assess, treat and prevent pressure injury

Resumo Objetivo Desenvolver e analisar um aplicativo móvel para avaliação, prevenção e tratamento da lesão por pressão. Métodos Foram quatro as fases para desenvolvimento da estrutura do aplicativo denominado Lesão por Pressão-App. A primeira fase correspondeu à concepção do aplicativo e identificou a necessidade de seu desenvolvimento. A segunda fase foi a elaboração do protótipo do aplicativo, na qual seu conteúdo foi definido com base em revisão integrativa da literatura. A terceira fase foi a da construção do aplicativo, quando o fluxograma foi elaborado, o banco de dados pôde ser estruturado e o software, desenvolvido. Na quarta fase, de transição, os testes de funcionalidade do aplicativo foram realizados. A avaliação do aplicativo foi realizada por 12 enfermeiros (juízes) por meio da técnica de Delphi e com o uso do Índice de Validade de Conteúdo. Resultados A maioria dos juízes considerou o aplicativo, na primeira avaliação, entre inadequado e totalmente adequado, porém, na segunda avaliação, ele foi avaliado entre adequado e totalmente adequado. O Índice de Validade de Conteúdo dos tópicos avaliados variou de 0,83 a 1,0 na primeira avaliação. Após realizar as correções, o aplicativo foi reavaliado, e o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo foi 1,0, caracterizando um excelente conteúdo. Conclusão O aplicativo Lesão por Pressão-App foi validado por profissional com experiência na área, mostrando a concordância do conteúdo entre os juízes na segunda avaliação.

Resumen Objetivo Desarrollar y analizar una aplicación móvil para la evaluación, prevención y tratamiento de la lesión por presión. Métodos Hubo cuatro fases para el desarrollo de la estructura de la aplicación denominada Lesión por Presión-App. La primera fase correspondió a la concepción de la aplicación e identificó la necesidad de desarrollarla. La segunda fase fue la elaboración del prototipo de la aplicación en la que se definió el contenido con base a la revisión integradora de la literatura. La tercera fase fue la de la construcción de la aplicación, en la que se elaboró el diagrama de flujo, se pudo estructurar el banco de datos y el software, desarrollado. En la cuarta fase, de transición, se realizaron los ensayos de funcionalidad de la aplicación. La evaluación de la aplicación la realizaron 12 enfermeros (jueces) a través de la técnica de Delphi y con el uso del Índice de Validez de Contenido. Resultados La mayoría de los jueces consideró que, en la primera evaluación, la aplicación estaba entre inadecuada y totalmente adecuada. Sin embargo, en la segunda evaluación, fue evaluada entre adecuada y totalmente adecuada. El Índice de Validez de Contenido de los tópicos evaluados tuvo una variación de 0,83 a 1,0 en la primera evaluación. Después de realizar las correcciones, la aplicación pasó por nueva evaluación y el Índice de Validez de Contenido fue de 1,0, caracterizándolo como un excelente contenido. Conclusión La aplicación "Lesão por Pressão-App" (Lesión por Presión-App) fue evaluada por un profesional experimentado en el área, evidenciando la conformidad del contenido entre los jueces en la segunda evaluación.

Abstract Objective To develop and analyze a mobile app for pressure injury assessment, prevention, and treatment. Methods There were four phases to develop the structure of an application called Lesão por Pressão-App. The first phase corresponded to the application design and identified the need for its development. The second phase was developing the application prototype, in which its content was defined based on an integrative literature review. The third phase was the application construction, when the flowchart was elaborated, the database could be structured and the software developed. In the fourth phase, transition, application functionality tests were performed. The application was assessed by 12 nurses (judges) using the Delphi technique and using Content Validity Index. Results Most judges considered the application, in the first assessment, between inadequate and totally adequate; however, in the second assessment, it was assessed between adequate and totally adequate. The Content Validity Index of the topics assessed ranged from 0.83 to 1.0 in the first assessment. After making the corrections, the application was re-assessed, and Content Validity Index was 1.0, featuring excellent content. Conclusion The application Lesão por Pressão-App was validated by a professional with experience in the field, showing the agreement of content among judges in the second assessment.

Efecto del uso de mensajes de texto en dispositivos de telefonía móvil en la adherencia al tratamiento de hipertensión arterial / Effect of mobile phone text messaging on adherence to hypertension treatment

La hipertensión arterial es una de las enfermedades crónicas de mayor incidencia a nivel mundial, produce una importante mortalidad y discapacidad. Este trabajo tuvo por objetivo evaluar el efecto del uso de mensajes de texto en dispositivos de telefonía móvil en la adherencia al tratamiento de hipertensión arterial. Se efectuó un estudio de intervención cuasiexperimental, de antes y después, en el cual se entrevistó a pacientes que pertenecían a un programa ambulatorio de enfermedades crónicas. Se formaron 4 grupos, uno de ellos, el grupo control. A los grupos intervenidos se les remitieron mensajes de texto (educativos/motivadores), con diferentes frecuencias de envío, por un período de 2 meses. Al término de la intervención, se pidió llenar el cuestionario Martín-Bayarre-Grau para determinar su adherencia al tratamiento antihipertensivo antes y después de la intervención. Se realizó un análisis bivariado, en el cual se comparó la variable adherencia al tratamiento, antes y después de la intervención, de los cuatro grupos del estudio. Se encontró solo una diferencia significativa en el grupo 3 (p = 0,011), al cual se le enviaron 8 mensajes al mes (2 por semana). También se comparó, después de los 2 meses, a los grupos sometidos a intervención versus el grupo control; se halló una diferencia significativa en el grupo 3 (p = 0,022). La intervención ha demostrado ser útil para mejorar la adherencia en esta población de estudio. Se obtuvo una respuesta positiva en el grupo 3, que recibió 8 mensajes al mes(AU)

Hypertension is one of the chronic diseases with the highest incidence worldwide and a cause of considerable mortality and disability. This paper aims to evaluate the effect of mobile phone text messaging on adherence to hypertension treatment. A quasi-experimental before-after intervention was conducted based on interviews with patients from a chronic disease outpatient program. Four groups were formed, one of which was the control group. The groups intervened were sent encouraging educational text messages at varying frequencies for a period of two months. At the close of the intervention, participants were asked to fill in the Martín Bayarre Grau questionnaire to determine their adherence to antihypertensive treatment before and after the intervention. A bivariate analysis was performed comparing the variable adherence to treatment before and after the intervention in the four study groups. A significant difference was only found in Group 3 (p = 0.011). This group was sent eight messages per month (two messages per week). Additionally, a comparison between the intervention groups and the control group conducted at two months found a significant difference in Group 3 (p = 0.022). The intervention proved was useful to improve adherence in the study population. A positive response was obtained in Group 3, who received eight messages per month(AU)

Mobile phone usage among nigerians: risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and preventive strategies

Aims: The increase in the usage of hand-held devices (HHDs) and smartphones (SPs), especially in Nigeria has resulted in an upsurge of musculoskeletal complaints. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries due to mobile phone usage among Nigerians and the preventive strategies. Materials and Methods: This study involved 630 male and female participants above 18 years old who were purposively recruited across designated study centres in public places. The instrument used was a questionnaire specifically designed to suit the Nigerian culture and environment and developed from previously validated questionnaires. Data were exported to Statistical Computing Programming R version 4.0.5 for analysis and Chi-square was used to compare the characteristics of those who experienced injury using SPs/HHDS and those who did not. Independent variables with a 95% confidence level and P < 0.05 in the multivariate model were considered statistically significant. Results: The most common daily use of SPs/HHDS by the participants was phone calls (98.4%) followed closely by social networking (96.0%) while the occupation and educational level of the participants had statistically significant (P < 0.05) impact on musculoskeletal injuries. The type of mobile device and the time spent using these devices were also significant (P < 0.05) risk factors for injuries. Some self­treatment strategies adopted by the participants were all significantly (P < 0.05) associated with reduction of musculoskeletal discomfort. Conclusion: The occupation, educational level, the types of mobile devices and time spent using the devices were risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries

Mobile phones of hospital workers: a potential reservoir for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria

Background: Mobile phones are increasingly associated with the transmission of pathogenic microbial agents. In the clinical setting where there is usually high exposure to pathogens, these devices may serve as vehicles for the transmission/spread of pathogens. This study determined the prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones of health workers and the predisposing factors, in order to ascertain the risk of transmission of pathogenic bacteria through mobile phones. Methodology: This study was carried out in a private medical center at Mbouda, Cameroon, involving 78 health workers including health professionals (nurses, physicians, laboratory scientists) and hospital support workers (cleaners, cashiers and security guards), recruited by convenient sampling. Sterile swab sticks moistened with physiological saline were used to swab about three quarter of the surface of each phone. The swabs were cultured on MacConkey and Mannitol Salt agar plates which were incubated aerobically at 37oC for 24 hours, while Chocolate agar plate was incubated in a candle extinction jar for microaerophilic condition. The isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests including catalase, coagulase, and the analytical profile index (API) system. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: Mobile phones of 75 of the 78 (96.2%) health workers were contaminated, with highest contamination rates for the phones of laboratory scientists (100%, 12/12), followed by support staff (98.9%, 13/14), nurses (97.7%, 43/44) and physicians (87.3%, 7/8), but the difference in contamination rates was not statistically significant (p=0.349). A total of 112 bacteria belonging to 12 genera were isolated, with predominance of Staphylococcus aureus (31.3%, n=35), Micrococcus spp (30.4%, n=34), coagulase negative staphylococci (10.7%, n=12) and Pseudomonas spp (5.4%, n=6). The laboratory (18.8%, 21/112) and medical wards (16.1%, 18/112) had the highest bacterial contamination of mobile phones (p=0.041), and more bacterial species were isolated from smartphones (68.8%, n=77/112) than keypad phones (31.2%, n=35/112) (p=0.032). There was no significant difference between phone contamination rates and the practice of hand hygiene or decontamination of work surfaces (p>0.05). Conclusion: The presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria on cell phones of health-care workers emphasizes the role of fomites in the transmission of infectious diseases. Consequently, good hand hygiene and decontamination practices are encouraged among health workers in order to limit the spread of hospital-acquired infections.

Uso de teléfonos móviles, postura cervical anormal y su repercusión en el sistema estomatognático / Use of mobile phones, abnormal cervical posture and its impact on the stomatognathic system

Desde la introducción de los teléfonos móviles en los años 80, el crecimiento de su uso ha sido continuo y con una tasa de crecimiento cada vez mayor. Este crecimiento ha generado preocupación a nivel mundial respecto de los efectos que sobre la salud provocan. Uno de ellos tiene que ver con los cambios adaptativos que surgen a nivel de la columna cervical, por la acción de inclinar la cabeza hacia adelante repetidas veces, con el objeto de visualizar la pantalla. Se ha descrito una estrecha relación entre la columna cervical y el completo cráneomandibular, por lo que se espera que los componentes de ambos sistemas tengan la capacidad potencial de influirse de manera recíproca. Se ha demostrado que distintas actitudes posturales derivan en características diversas de oclusión, por lo que una modificación de la posición craneocervical afectaría tanto a la oclusión dentaria de manera particular, como de forma general a la biomecánica mandibular. El propósito de este trabajo es informar sobre los efectos que las posturas inadecuadas que adopta la columna cervical al utilizar teléfonos móviles, pueden provocar a nivel del sistema estomatognático (AU)

Association of the behaviors of playing mahjong and watching mobile phone with depression in rural women in Hubei Province / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To analyze the association of the behaviors of playing mahjong and watching mobile phone with depression in rural women in Hubei Province, so as to provide suggestions for improving their physical and mental health. Methods A stratified cluster sampling method was used to investigate 1367 adult women in 8 administrative villages of 7 counties/cities in Hubei Province. The depression status was measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10 (CESD-10) and the percentage conversion was carried out. The higher the score was, the lower the degree of depression was, and the better the mental health status was. Results The CESD-10 scores of 15-44 years old women（77.63±13.95)were higher than those of 45-64 years old (73.17+17.01) and over 65 years old (69.25+18.16) (P0.05). Conclusions There is a correlation between watching mobile phone and depression of rural women in Hubei Province, reducing the use of mobile phones by rural women, especially middle-aged women, is worthy of attention in the future work of health education and Women’s Federation.

Reading And Texting While Walking: Effect On Gait Indices In Healthy Young Females

Background: Mobile phones are becoming one of the necessities now a day. Divided attention leads to affected performance in one or both tasks. Effects of such dual tasking using mobile while walking needs to be explored as the use of mobile phones during walking/stair climbing etc. are very common. Methods: 132 female students of age 18 yrs to 21 yrs were made for walking under three conditions (walking, walking and reading on mobile, walking and texting). Gait indices (step and stride length, toe out angle) were compared in all conditions using the paired t-test. Results: Step length, stride length reduced and angle of toe out increased significantly in reading during walking and texting during walking as compared to only walking (p<0.0001). Parameters during texting while walking showed maximum affection. Conclusion: Reading or texting during walking can affect walking performance adversely. You are texting while walking is most deleterious in the above three conditions.

Effect of Listening to Music Over Ear Phones/Head Phones on Hearing

Music has always been an effective way to pass time. With the advent of cell phones, most of the people have an easy means to access music as almost all the phones are capable of playing music. Low quality ear phones are available at an affordable price. Adolescent and young adults are potentially at risk of hearing loss by listening to music with ear phones / head phones. Aim: The present study is an effort to know the effect of listening to music for longer duration through ear phones in young adults. Methods: The present study is conducted at Government Medical College, Anantapuramu on 100 subjects. 50 subjects who listened to music through ear phones for more than 2 hours/day and for 2 years or more were included in group A. 50 subjects who very occasionally used ear phones were included in group B. All subjects were made to undergo Pure Tone Audiometry in the audiometry room in both ears using pure tones of 250 Hz – 12000 Hz frequencies. Results: None of the subjects in Group B reported any hearing problem. Self-reported hearing problems in group A participants recorded. In Group A, 66% of subjects had no hearing problems and 34% of subjects had different hearing problems. There is significant increase in hearing threshold of Group A subjects at high frequencies compared to Group B. Conclusion: The output levels from cell phone are high enough to cause music induced hearing loss when phones are used at high volume for long periods. It is necessary to educate oneself about the dangers and use methods to prevent its harmful effects. Regular audiometric screening of all mobile phone users is recommended.

Mobile technologies in the Nursing area / Tecnologías móviles en el área de Enfermería / Tecnologias móveis na área de Enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify in the literature studies on mobile technologies in Nursing. Method: Integrative literature review in which was used the Population, Interest and Context (PICo) strategy, the tool of the National Library of Medicine for formulation of the research question, and search without a determined period of time in the following bibliographic databases: Medical Literature and Retrieval System onLine/PubMed®), Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), SCOPUS (Elsevier), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) and Nursing Database (BDENF). Data collection period was from January to March 2017. Results: Fifteen articles were selected, in which were addressed mobile technologies in Nursing for nurses, undergraduate students and patients. Conclusion: Mobile technologies in Nursing are a recent theme and enable care data sharing, experience acquisition by undergraduate students and patient empowerment.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar en la literatura estudios sobre tecnologías móviles en el área de Enfermería. Método: Revisión de la literatura en que se utilizó la estrategia Población, Interés y Contexto (PICo), herramienta de la National Library of Medicine para la formulación de la cuestión de la investigación y la búsqueda sin recorte temporal en las siguientes bases de datos bibliográficos: Medical Literature and Retrieval System onLine (MEDLINE/PubMed®), Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), SCOPUS (Elsevier), Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS) y Base de Datos en Enfermería (BDENF). El período de la recolección de datos fue de enero a marzo de 2017. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 15 artículos, que abordaron tecnologías móviles en el área de Enfermería para enfermeros, estudiantes y pacientes. Conclusión: Las tecnologías móviles en el área de Enfermería son tema reciente y posibilitan compartir datos en la asistencia, adquisición de experiencia por estudiantes y empoderamiento del paciente.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar na literatura estudos sobre tecnologias móveis na área de enfermagem. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura, utilizando a estratégia População, Interesse e Contexto (PICo), ferramenta da National Library of Medicine para formulação da questão de pesquisa e busca sem recorte temporal nas bases de dados bibliográficas: Medical Literature and Retrieval System onLine (MEDLINE/PubMed®), Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), SCOPUS (Elsevier), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Base de Dados em Enfermagem (BDENF). A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de janeiro a março de 2017. Resultados: Foram selecionados 15 artigos, que abordaram tecnologias móveis na área da enfermagem para enfermeiros, graduandos e pacientes. Conclusão: As tecnologias móveis na área da enfermagem são tema recente e possibilitam compartilhamento de dados na assistência, aquisição de experiência por graduandos e empoderamento do paciente.

Microbial contamination of mobile phones of health care providers at a teaching hospital in a hilly North Indian State

Mobile phone is a ubiquitous device used in health care settings as well. Its frequent handling, closeness to the body and heat generated during functioning provides a favourable environment for microbial contamination and growth; as well as opportunities for their transfer from one person to another through health care provider. Objective: To investigate whether health care workers mobile phones carry microbes and to identify areas or health personals where this was more common. Material and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at a medical college and its associated hospital in a northern hilly state of India to determine the prevalence of microbial contamination of mobile phones used by health care providers. Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory Technicians and Medical Interns were contacted at their place of work to collect swab samples from their mobile phones. Sample collection sites included out-patient clinics as well as in-patient wards, emergency department and intensive care unit. All health care providers available at the time of visit to these departments were included in the study. Swab samples collected were immediately transferred to microbiology department where overnight incubation in peptone water at 37°C followed by culture and appropriate testing to identify organisms was done. Result: A total of 100 swab samples were collected, 28 from doctors, 20 from nurses, 25 from technicians and 27 from medical interns. All of them except one showed growth. Single growth were 56 while 43 cultures had multiple growths. Organism of medical importance isolated included Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS), Methicillin Resistant CoNS, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella, S. aureus, E.coli among others. Conclusion: Almost all mobile phones were contaminated, more than half of whom were harbouring pathogenic micro-organisms. It could be a major threat to the health care providers as well as patients in form of nosocomial infections.

Effects of 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and bleachbased wipes in disinfecting nurses' mobile phone: a quasi-experimental approach / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#Concerns have been increased about the use of mobile phones in hospitals as they may be vehicles for the transmission of hospital-acquired infections. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes with bleach-based wipes in decreasing bacterial colony counts of mobile phones of staff nurses.@*METHODS@#Mobile phones of staff nurses in the UERM Hospital were assigned to be disinfected with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or bleach-based wipes. Mobile phones were swabbed using standard techniques before and after disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or bleach-based wipes. Post-disinfection colony counts were compared with baseline counts in each group and compared between the two test groups.@*RESULTS@#There was a significant decrease in the post-disinfection mean colony count compared with the mean baseline colony count in both the 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes (p < 0.001) and bleach-based wipes (p = 0.002) groups. The decrease in the 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes group was bigger (121,635 vs 85,769 CFU/mL). The mean post-disinfection colony count of the 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes was significantly lower (p = 0.007) than the other group.@*CONCLUSION@#Both 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and bleach-based wipes are effective in decreasing bacterial colony counts of mobile phones of staff nurses. The alcohol wipes resulted in a greater decrease in colony count compared with the bleach wipes.

A follow-up study of the association between mobile phone use and symptoms of ill health

Objectives: The duration and frequency of mobile phone calls, and their relationship with various health effects, have been investigated in our previous cross-sectional study. This 2-year period follow-up study aimed to assess the changes in these variables of same subjects.Methods: The study population comprised 532 non-patient adult subjects sampled from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. The subjects underwent a medical examination at a hospital in 2012/2013 and revisited the same hospital in 2014/2015 to have the same examination for the characteristics of mobile phone use performed. In addition, to evaluate the effects on health, the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), Psychosocial Well-being Index-Short Form, Beck Depression Inventory, Korean-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 12-item Short Form Health Survey were analyzed. For all these tests, the higher the score, the greater the effect on health. Variances between scores in all the indices in the baseline and follow-up surveys were calculated, and correlations of each index were analyzed.Results: The average duration per call and HIT-6 score of the subjects decreased significantly compared with those recorded two years ago. The results showed a slight but significant correlation between call duration changes and HIT-6 score changes for female subjects, but not for males. HIT-6 scores in the follow-up survey significantly decreased compared to those in the baseline survey, but long-time call users (subjects whose call duration was ≥5 minutes in both the baseline and follow-up surveys) had no statistically significant reduction in HIT-6 scores.Conclusions: This study suggests that increased call duration is a greater risk factor for increases in headache than any other type of adverse health effect, and that this effect can be chronic.

A follow-up study of the association between mobile phone use and symptoms of ill health

Objectives: The duration and frequency of mobile phone calls, and their relationship with various health effects, have been investigated in our previous cross-sectional study. This 2-year period follow-up study aimed to assess the changes in these variables of same subjects. Methods: The study population comprised 532 non-patient adult subjects sampled from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. The subjects underwent a medical examination at a hospital in 2012/2013 and revisited the same hospital in 2014/2015 to have the same examination for the characteristics of mobile phone use performed. In addition, to evaluate the effects on health, the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), Psychosocial Well-being Index-Short Form, Beck Depression Inventory, Korean-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 12-item Short Form Health Survey were analyzed. For all these tests, the higher the score, the greater the effect on health. Variances between scores in all the indices in the baseline and follow-up surveys were calculated, and correlations of each index were analyzed. Results: The average duration per call and HIT-6 score of the subjects decreased significantly compared with those recorded two years ago. The results showed a slight but significant correlation between call duration changes and HIT-6 score changes for female subjects, but not for males. HIT-6 scores in the follow-up survey significantly decreased compared to those in the baseline survey, but long-time call users (subjects whose call duration was ≥5 minutes in both the baseline and follow-up surveys) had no statistically significant reduction in HIT-6 scores. Conclusions: This study suggests that increased call duration is a greater risk factor for increases in headache than any other type of adverse health effect, and that this effect can be chronic.

Utilización de Internet y dependencia a teléfonos móviles en adolescentes / Using Internet and dependence on mobile phones in adolescents / A utilização da Internet e a dependência de celulares dos adolescentes

El objetivo principal del presente trabajo ha sido analizar el uso que los adolescentes realizan de Internet y los teléfonos móviles. Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo, para la muestra se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 10 centros educativos, registrando 874 encuestas. Los adolescentes utilizan masivamente la Red, accediendo a la misma cada vez más a través del teléfono móvil, no aparecen casos llamativos de dependencia en el empleo del teléfono móvil. Otro de los problemas detectados ha sido el del tiempo de conexión a Internet, que aumenta de manera significativa al igual que destacan otros estudios similares. Es fundamental potenciar el papel de familias y centros educativos para dotar a los jóvenes de estrategias que les permitan realizar unos usos adecuados.

The main objective of this study was to analyze the use made of the teenagers Internet and mobile phones. A descriptive design was used, for the sample were randomly selected 10 schools, registering 874 surveys. Teens use Internet massively, increasingly accessed via mobile phone, although do not show a lot of cases of dependency on the use of mobile phone. Another of the problems identified was the Internet connection time, which increases significantly as others similar studies indicates. It is essential to enhance the role of families and schools to equip young people with strategies to do adequate use.

O principal objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o uso da Internet e de celulares pelos adolescentes. Utilizou-se um modelo descritivo. Para a amostra, a seleção ocorreu de forma aleatória em 10 centros educativos, registrando 874 respostas. Os adolescentes utilizam massivamente a Internet e a acessam cada vez mais por meio dos smartphones. Não constam, nesta pesquisa, casos marcantes de dependência no emprego do smartphone. Outro dos problemas detectados tem sido o do tempo de conexão à Internet, que aumenta de maneira significativa, conforme destacam outros estudos similares. É fundamental reforçar o papel das famílias e das escolas na hora de adotar estratégias que permitam aos jovens utilizar a internet de modo adequado, visando a potencialização de suas capacidades cognitivas.

Study Of Bacterial Colonization Of Mobile Phones And Writing Pens In Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background and Aim: Health care workers accessories like mobile and pen have become important fomites in spread of health care infections and when used at the patient’s point of care may be responsible for cross contamination. Aim is to determine whether mobile phones and pens could play a role in the spread of bacterial pathogens. Methodology: Swabs from from mobile phones and pens were taken and inoculated on blood agar and MacConkey agar plates and the isolates were identified by standard microbiological procedures. Results: 28 /74(37.83%) mobile phone and 22/74(29.73%) pens showed bacterial contamination. Coagulase negative staphylococcus accounted for the majority of positive isolates. Conclusion: Mobiles and pens are potential reservoir for bacteria. They might be a vector in the transmission of potential pathogenic microorganisms. The risk can be reduced by using alcohol-based sanitizing agents for wiping mobile and pen.

A Study Of Bacteriological Profile And Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns Of Isolated Organisms From ICU's With Special Reference To Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms.

Background and Aim: Microbes are notorious for rapidly develop drugs resistant due to gene transfer and spontaneous mutation. So their continues surveillance of antibiogram pattern is necessary to detect muti-drugs resistant organisms to improve patients outcome admitted in ICUs. Objective is to detect bacterial organisms causing infection in different ICUs and to know their antibiotic resistance pattern. Methodology: Total 602 different samples were collected from different ICUs and processed for culture, bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing done according to CLSI recommendation. Results: Out of total 602 samples, 248 (41.02%) were culture positive. The number of isolated Gram negative and Gram positive organisms were 196 (79.03%) and 52 (20.97%) respectively. Most common isolated of Gram negative organism was Pseudomonas spp. 58(23.38%), followed by Acinetobacter spp. 46 (18.55%). While, most common isolated gram positive cocci was coagulase negative staphylococcus spp. 32 (12.95%), followed by Enterococcus spp 8 (3.24%). From total 196 isolates of gram negative, 71.43% were MDROs, 7.14% were XDROs. Out of total 52 gram positive isolates, 40.38% were MDRO, 3.85% were XDRO. Conclusion: Routine Microbiological surveillance helps to guide in implementing better antibiotic policies to improve patient’s morbidity and mortality suffering from multi-drug resistant infections in ICUs.

Riesgo microbiológico asociado al uso de teléfonos móviles en laboratorios clínicos hospitalarios de Maracaibo-Venezuela / Microbiological hazard associated with using of mobile phones in hospital clinical laboratories from Maracaibo-Venezuela

El uso de teléfonos móviles se ha generalizado en las instituciones de salud, inclusive en áreas con riesgos microbiológicos definidos, como los laboratorios clínicos. En el presente estudio, se investigó la presencia de bacterias potencialmente patógenas, en los teléfonos móviles del personal de laboratorio de cuatro instituciones hospitalarias de Maracaibo, Venezuela. Se realizó el cultivo microbiológico cualitativo de hisopados de la superficie de 200 teléfonos. Mediante un cuestionario se indagó la adherencia del personal a las prácticas higiénicas estándar durante la jornada laboral. En 83% de los teléfonos se evidenció contaminación bacteriana y en 29% se identificó agentes con potencial patogénico definido, predominando Enterococcus spp., anaerobios estrictos, Staphylococcus aureus y enterobacterias. Algunas cepas patógenas presentaron patrones de resistencia sugestivos de gérmenes nosocomiales. Un elevado porcentaje del personal abordado admitió no aplicar medidas higiénicas mínimas al utilizar sus teléfonos en el ambiente laboral. Los resultados microbiológicos obtenidos, aunados al bajo nivel de compromiso del personal de laboratorio con las prácticas higiénicas estándar, permiten atribuirle un importante riego microbiológico al uso de teléfonos móviles en los laboratorios clínicos, que podría afectar no sólo a los dueños y manipuladores habituales de tales dispositivos, sino también extenderse a sus manipuladores ocasionales a nivel extrahospitalario.

The use of mobile phones is widespread in health institutions, including areas with defined microbiological risk as clinical laboratories. In this study, the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria was investigated in mobile phones of laboratory personnel of four hospitals of Maracaibo, Venezuela. Qualitative microbiological culture of swabs from the surface of 200 mobile phones was performed. A questionnaire was applied, to evaluate adherence of staff to standard hygiene practices during the workday. In 83% of phones bacterial contamination was evidenced, and 29% had bacteria with defined pathogenic potential, predominantly Enterococcus spp., strict anaerobes bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and enterobacteria. Some pathogenic strains showed resistance patterns suggestive of nosocomial bacteria. A high percentage of staff refused to apply minimal hygiene measures to manipulate their phones during the workday. Microbiological results, analyzed together with the low level of adherence of personnel to the standard hygienic practices, allow attributing an important hazard to mobiles phone use in clinical laboratories, which could involve not only owners of such devices and usual manipulators, but also could extend to his occasional manipulators in the community.