Occurrence of dry eye in mobile phone users

Background: Most Indians today own one or more mobile phones. The average time of phone usage per person per day is 4.8 h and the excess usage of mobile phone is an emerging cause of dry eye. Although some studies have established this relation, not many studies focus on South India. Our study aims to highlight the South Indian population. Aim and Objective: To study the prevalence of dry eye among medical students of 18–25 years. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, whose participants are undergraduate medical students, both males and females, between 18 and 25 years. Schirmer’s test was done for each candidate after answering an Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. Results: The most frequent symptom reported by the participants at the time of answering the questionnaire was soreness and irritation of the eye (8%). The most common long-term symptom reported was burning and watering of eyes of tolerable severity (27%). Some participants experienced uncomfortable and bothersome eye fatigue. Conclusion: Dry eye in the form of symptoms of both dryness of eye and reflex epiphora is present in the population under study. About 76% of the study population use their phones for over 3 hours a day. The soreness and irritation of eyes, watering and burning of eyes are attributed to the mobile phone usage for more than 6 hours per day.

Effect of duration of per day exposure to electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone on verbal and visual memory in male adults

Background: Mobile phones (MPs) are mostly kept close to the head while making a phone call, and therefore, the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from MP may be potentially damaging to the brain and hence its neurological functions. Reports available on the effect of MP radiation on human memory is scarce and inconclusive so far. Aims and Objectives: The present study was planned to evaluate the effect of per day durations of EMR exposure through MP calls on verbal and visual memory using paper and pencil cognitive tests. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy right-handed male subjects within age group 18–40 years were recruited for the study and divided into two groups. Those making MP calls of more than 1 h/day were placed in the Group-A and those making calls <1 h/day in Group-B. Both groups were evaluated for verbal and visual memory using Rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT) and playing card test (PCT) before and after exposure to EMR for 10 min. Statistical analysis was done by paired “t” test. Results: Group-B performed significantly better in RAVLT than Group-A. No significant difference was seen in PCT. After exposure to EMR from MP, the performance in PCT of both the groups deteriorated significantly. Conclusion: Longer per day exposure to EMR from MP affects verbal memory, while visual memory may be more susceptible to acute exposures.

Effect of radiofrequency radiation from 5G mobile phone on blood-brain barrier in mice / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of radiofrequency radiation (RF) from 5G mobile phone communication frequency bands (3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz) on the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in mice.Methods:A total of 24 healthy adult male C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old) were randomly divided into Sham, 3.5 GHz RF and 4.9 GHz RF groups, and 8 mice in each group. Mice in the RF groups were systemically exposed to 5G cell phone radiation for consecutive 35 d(1 h/d) with 50 W/m 2 power density. The BBB permeability of mice was detected by Evans Blue (EB) fluorescence experiment. The expression levels of the BBB tight junction-related proteins (ZO-1, occludin and claudin-11) and the gap junction-related protein Connexin 43 were determined by Western blot. Results:The number of spots, fluorescence intensity and comprehensive score of EB were significantly increased in 3.5 GHz RF group and 4.9 GHz RF group compared with the Sham group ( t=12.98, 17.82, P<0.001). Compared with the Sham group, the content of S100B in mouse serum was significantly increased in 3.5 GHz RF group and 4.9 GHz RF group ( t=19.34, 14.68, P<0.001). The BBB permeability was increased in the RF group. The expression level of occludin protein was significantly reduced in the 3.5 GHz RF group ( t=-3.13, P<0.05), and this decrease was much profound in the 4.9 GHz RF group ( t=-6.55, P<0.01). But the protein levels of ZO-1, Claudin-11 and Connexin 43 in the cerebral cortex of the RF groups had no significantly difference in comparison with the Sham group( P>0.05). Conclusions:The continuous exposure of mobile phone RF at 3.5 GHz or 4.9 GHz for 35 d (1 h/d) induces an increase of BBB permeability in the mouse cerebral cortex, perhaps by reducing the expression of occludin protein.

A cross-lag study on adolescents' physical exercise behavior, self-control and mobile phone dependence / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship among physical exercise, self-control, and mobile phone dependence in adolescents.Methods:The entire group of random sampling method was used to extract 882 students from five junior high schools in Nanchang city from September 2020 to March 2021.A longitudinal survey was conducted using the sports activity rating scale, self control scale, and adolescent mobile phone dependence scale on all participants for 2 times with an interval for 6 months.The questionnaire results in the first stage were marked as T1.The questionnaire results in the second stage were marked as T2.SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used to conduct reliability analysis, common method bias test and Pearson correlation analysis on each variable in sequence.AMOS 23.0 was used for cross-lag analysis to explore the relationship among physical exercise, self-control and mobile phone dependence.Results:The score of physical exercise of adolescents was (17.71±5.62), the score of self-control was (51.48±9.71), and the score of mobile phone dependencies was (56.67±12.93). Adolescent physical exercise, self-control, and mobile phone dependence were all related to stability across time.There were positive correlation between T1 physical exercise and T2 physical exercise ( r=0.489), T1 self-control and T2 self-control ( r=0.482), as well as T1 mobile phone dependencies and T2 mobile phone dependencies ( r=0.498)(all P<0.01). Cross-lag analysis showed that: adolescent physical exercise behavior could unidirectionally predict self-control( β=0.197, P<0.01)and mobile phone dependence( β=-0.224, P<0.01) after 6 months, and self-control could predict the mobile phone dependence( β=-0.560, P<0.01) of junior high school students after 6 months.The mediating effect results showed that self-control had a mediating effect between physical exercise and mobile phone dependence of junior high school students, there were gender differences.The mediating effect accounted for 22.22%(-0.018/-0.081). Conclusion:Physical exercise can indirectly reduce the mobile phone dependence of junior high school students by affecting self-control.

Effect of basic psychological needs satisfaction on phubbing behavior among high school students: the mediating effect of fear of missing out and mobile phone addiction / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the mediating roles of the fear of missing out and mobile phone addiction between the basic psychological needs satisfaction and phubbing behavior among high school students.Methods:In April 2022, a cross-sectional design survey was conducted on 14 666 high school students. All participants were evaluated by the basic psychological needs scales(BPNS), generic scale of phubbing(GSP), trait-state fear of missing out scale(T-S FOMOS) and mobile phone addiction index(MPAI). The SPSS 26.0 software was used to conduct common method deviation test, descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis.PROCESS 4.1 was used to construct the model, and the Bootstrap method was used to test for mediating effects.Results:(1)Among the 14 036 high school students, there were 1 752 (12.48%) students who were addicted to mobile phones.There were significant differences in gender in the scores including BPNS(boy: 4.43±0.79, girl: 4.36±0.79), GSP(boy: 2.72±1.01, girl: 2.76±1.03) and T-S FOMOS(boy: 1.73±0.60, girl: 1.84±0.64), ( t=5.22, -10.58, -2.78, all P<0.01). Among different grades, there were significant differences in the scores of BPNS, T-S FOMOS, MPAI, and GSP( F=25.43, 39.50, 53.45, 14.59, all P<0.01). (2)Basic psychological needs score were positively correlated with fear of missing out, mobile phone addiction and phubbing( r=-0.432--0.294, all P<0.01). Phubbing were negatively correlated with fear of missing out and mobile phone addiction( r=0.744, 0.538, both P<0.01). Fear of missing out were negatively correlated with mobile phone( r=0.646, P<0.01). (3)The basic psychological needs satisfaction had a direct effect on phubbing behavior, and the effect value was -0.188 (95% CI: -0.173--0.204). The mediating effect of fear of missing out between the basic psychological needs satisfaction and phubbing behavior was -0.035(95% CI: -0.028--0.042). The mediating effect of mobile phone between the basic psychological needs satisfaction and phubbing behavior was -0.203(95% CI: -0.191--0.214). Fear of missing out and mobile phone addiction played a chain mediating role between them, and the mediating effect value was -0.134(95% CI: -0.125--0.143), which accounted for 23.93%(-0.134/-0.560) of the total effect. Conclusion:The high level basic psychological needs satisfaction can alleviate the occurrence of phubbing behavior. It may be achieved by decreasing fear of missing out and reducing mobile phone addiction.

The mediating effect of balanced time perspective between negative evaluation fear and mobile phone addiction among vocational school students / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between negative evaluation fear and mobile phone addiction, and the mediating role of balanced time perspective.Methods:In April 2021, totally 1 158 secondary vocational school students were investigated by scales of fear of negative evaluation(FNE), mobile phone addiction index(MPAI)and Zimbardo time perspective inventory(ZTPI). The balanced time perspective was calculated by deviation from the balanced time perspective(DBTP). SPSS 20.0 statistical software was used for descriptive statistical analysis and correlation analysis of the data.Bootstrap method was used to test the mediating effect.Results:(1) Negative evaluation fear(37.87±7.71)was significantly positively correlated with balanced time perspective(4.50±0.75)( r= 0.379, P<0.01) and mobile phone addiction(46.11±11.92)( r=0.437, P<0.01). The balanced time perspective was significantly positively correlated with mobile phone addiction( r=0.475, P<0.01). (2) Negative evaluation fear directly and positively predicted mobile phone addiction( β=0.300, 95% CI=0.248-0.352). The balanced time perspective played a partial mediating role between negative evaluation fear and mobile phone addiction, and the mediating effect value was 0.137, accounted for 31.31%(0.137/0.437) of the total effect. Conclusion:The fear of negative evaluation can directly affect the mobile phone addiction behavior of secondary vocational students, and can also indirectly affect the mobile phone addiction by affecting the balanced time perspective.Good balanced time perspective can reduce the risk caused by the fear of negative evaluation.

Research progress on mobile phone addiction among high school students / 四川精神卫生

With the widespread adoption of smartphones， mobile phone addiction among adolescents has emerged as a challenging public health concern. This paper aims to undertake a comprehensive literature review on mobile phone addiction among high school students， both domestically and internationally. It primarily focuses on exploring the conceptual framework， measurement tools， epidemic status， influencing factors and intervention strategies associated with mobile phone addiction in this specific population， so as to provide references for interventions targeting mobile phone addiction among high school students， with the ultimate goal of reducing the incidence rate within this population. ［Funded by Sichuan Provincial Primary Health Development Research Center in 2022， North Sichuan Medical College （number， SWFZ22-C-89）， Mianyang City Social Science Research Key Base-Sichuan Mianyang Minor Psychological Growth Guidance and Research Center 2022 Annual Funding Project （number， SCWCN 2022YB07）］

Associations of mobile phone use with male semen quality and sex hormones / 环境与职业医学

Background Experimental studies have shown that radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones can cause adverse effects on male reproductive health, including decreased semen quality and altered sex hormones. However, the results of epidemiological studies on the relationship between mobile phone use and male semen quality are inconsistent. Furthermore, there are few epidemiological studies on the association of mobile phone use with sex hormones. Objective To explore the associations of mobile phone use with male semen quality and sex hormones. Methods A total of 2045 men visited the reproductive medicine center of a hospital in Wuhan and ordered infertility examination were recruited from December 2018 to January 2020. Information on mobile phone use was obtained using a questionnaire. Among them, 1232 and 1694 men were eligible for semen quality analyses and sex hormone analyses, respectively. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations of mobile phone use with male semen quality and sex hormones. Results After adjusting for potential confounders, there was no statistically significant associations of mobile phone use with sperm progressive motility, sperm total motility, sperm concentration, sperm count, or serum luteinizing hormone (P>0.05). However, serum total testosterone showed a declined tendency with increasing daily duration of mobile phone use (Ptrend=0.08). Compared with men with daily mobile phone use of 0-2 h, men with daily mobile phone use of 2.1-5, 5.1-8, and >8 h showed decreased serum total testosterone concentrations by 6.29% (95%CI: 0.40%-11.84%), 6.01% (95%CI: 0.60%-12.19%), and 7.87% (95%CI: 0.40%-14.79%), respectively. Conclusion Mobile phone use is not associated with male semen quality and serum luteinizing hormone, but increasing daily duration of mobile phone use is potentially associated with a tendency to lower male serum total testosterone.

The relationship between physical activity and interpersonal distress in college students: the chain mediating role of self-control and mobile phone addiction

Objective of the study Interpersonal relationships, as an important variable afecting the physical and mental health and future development of individuals, were used to construct a structural equation model between physical activity and interpersonal relationships in order to help college students better adapt to society and achieve a high level of mental health. Methods SPSS 27.0 software was used to statistically analyze the data, and Amos 28.0 software was used to construct the model between variables. The results showed that physical activity directly predicted the interpersonal relationship status of college students (ß= −0.108, 95% CI [−0.210,−0.005]), and the chain mediating efect of physical activity→self-control→mobile phone addiction tendency→interpersonal relationship distress was signifcant (ß= −0.012, 95% CI [−0.033,−0.003]). The results of this study suggest that physical activity may be viewed as an efective intervention strategy to mitigate the interpersonal challenges that college students may face in the future.

Smartphone Use on Accommodation and Vergence Parameters: A Systematic Review

@#Introduction: The frequency and the trend of smartphone use increase rapidly, and 85% of Malaysians owns a smartphone and spend an average of 187 minutes per day to use the smartphone. Aims: To evaluate the potential effects of smartphone use on Accommodation and Vergence of the users. Methods: A total of 18 articles were selected in this review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, and the research question was formulated based on the population, intervention, control, and outcomes (PICO) method. This review was registered with PROSPERO (reference number: CRD42022293325). Data Sources: Databases namely PubMed, Web of Science, and Science-Direct were used in the article search using appropriate keywords, phrases, and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. The inclusion criteria of this review were journal articles published from January 2010 until December 2021 with full articles or abstract in English available. Results: Accommodative function has been reported to changed significantly with 20 minutes of smartphone use, with reduced amplitude, facility, relative and increased lag. In addition, vergence function has been reported to be altered significantly with receded near point of convergence. Conclusion: Smartphone use has an effect on the accommodation and vergence parameters among adults. Assessments of accommodation and vergence parameters need to be conducted in patients with the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome to prevent vision problems. Future reviews are required in younger cohorts with various smartphone features.

Smartphone-enabled retinal arteriovenous imaging and correlation with coronary SYNTAX score

Objective: To assess the feasibility of measurement of retinal arteriovenous (AV) ratio using a smartphone, we performed a comparative evaluation with fundus camera imaging and coronary SYNTAX score. Method: Successive coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who underwent coronary angiography were recruited for smartphone retinal imaging. Following pupillary dilatation, fundus camera images and smartphone photography were performed. Video images were captured with a smartphone, edited and analysed. Retinal artery and vein size at 0.5 and 1 disc diameter (DD) were measured using DICOM software by two independent observers. Another observer calculated SYNTAX score. Results: Analysable smartphone images were available in 91 (89.2%) of 102 patients. Tobacco use was found in 26%, hypertension in 54%, diabetes in 55%, and high LDL cholesterol in 50%. Median and 25e75 interquartile range (IQR) AV ratio at 0.5 and 1.0 DD, respectively, with smartphone were 0.48 (0.45e0.52) and 0.47 (0.45e0.52) and fundus camera were 0.48 (0.44e0.53) and 0.48 (0.45e0.53) (Spearman's correlation 0.80 and 0.79, p < 0.001). Coronary single vessel disease was in 21%, double vessel in 16%, triple vessel in 55%, normal angiogram in 8%, and median SYNTAX score was 18.0 (8.0e25.0). There was an inverse correlation of SYNTAX score with smartphone-derived AV ratio at 0.5 and 1.0 DD (rho _x0001_0.27,p ¼ 0.007 and _x0001_0.26,p ¼ 0.009) as well as with fundus camera (rho _x0001_0.37 and _x0001_0.38, p < 0.001). Trend-analysis showed an inverse association of smartphone AV ratio with increasing CAD (ptrend <0.001). Conclusions: Smartphone-based retinal AV imaging is feasible and comparable to fundus-camera imaging. There is a significant inverse correlation with coronary angiographic severity

Aplicación móvil para el análisis estadístico en Android / Mobile application for statistics analysis on Android

El uso de dispositivos móviles en la vida moderna es imprescindible debido a las ventajas que brindan al ofrecer nuevas posibilidades e implementar de manera virtual servicios ya establecidos. La mayor existencia de móviles que computadoras en los estudiantes de Cuba nos motivó a la realización de esta aplicación. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la aplicación nombrada Cálculos estadísticos y tasas en salud (Calc. Tasas versión 1.7) construida para realizar cálculos en un curso de Bioestadística, cubriendo gran parte del contenido de esta asignatura en la enseñanza de pregrado de las universidades médicas, así como otros contenidos de interés en esta materia. También incorpora una base de datos con información demográfica y sanitaria de Cuba y sus provincias en el período 2013-2020. Como resultado se logró independencia tecnológica al dejar de usar programas foráneos y se logró una mayor portabilidad pues funciona tanto en móviles como en computadoras utilizando un emulador de Android(AU)

The use of mobile devices in modern life is essential due to the advantages they provide, offering new possibilities and implementing virtual services. The existence of greater number of mobiles phones than computers in Cuban students motivated the realization of this application. The objective of the article is to describe the application Statistical calculations and rates in health (Calc. Rates version 1.7) built to perform calculations in a Biostatistics course, covering a large part of the content of this subject in the undergraduate teaching of medical universities, as well as other content related with this topic. It also incorporates a database with demographic and health information on Cuba and its provinces in the period 2013-2020. As a result, technological independence was achieved by stopping using foreign programs and a greater portability, since it works on both mobile phones and computers through an Android emulator(AU)

Mediación parental en el uso de tecnologías móviles en niños y niñas costarricenses: Una aproximación metodológica mixta / Parental mediation in children's use of mobile technology in Costa Rica: A mixed-methods approach

Resumen Las tecnologías digitales móviles son parte de la vida cotidiana de los niños. Sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre su contexto de uso en Latinoamérica. Esta investigación utilizó un diseño mixto para describir las características del uso de teléfonos móviles y tabletas en niños costarricenses entre 1 y 5 años de edad y sus cuidadores. El Estudio 1 analizó las interacciones familiares en áreas de comida de centros comerciales a través de observaciones no participantes. Los resultados indicaron que fueron los cuidadores quienes utilizaron los teléfonos durante la observación, ante lo cual los niños usualmente realizaron actividades que no implicaron interactuar con sus cuidadores. Frente a intentos de los niños por interactuar, los cuidadores raramente respondieron. A través de una metodología de encuesta dirigida a padres, el Estudio 2 exploró el uso de los dispositivos por parte de los niños y sus cuidadores en el hogar. Los resultados indicaron que los niños acceden principalmente a contenidos educativos al usar los dispositivos, y los cuidadores mencionaron usualmente acompañar a los niños durante su uso. También reportaron casi siempre utilizar las estrategias mediadoras de tipo restrictivo y de supervisión, y en menor medida la mediación instructiva y de uso conjunto. Además, los cuidadores consideraron que la actividad física y el sueño son los aspectos más negativamente afectados por el uso infantil de dispositivos, mientras que las habilidades matemáticas y lingüísticas tienden a verse más afectadas positivamente. Estos resultados caracterizan el uso temprano de dispositivos móviles en contextos de cuidado parental en Costa Rica.

Abstract Mobile technologies are part of children's everyday lives. However, little is known about their context of use in Latin America. The goal of this paper is to describe how Costa Rican caregivers and their children between the ages of 1 and 5 years old use smartphones and tablets. A mixed-methods approach was used, including two studies. Study 1 used non-participant observations to analyze family interactions related to smartphone use in food court areas in shopping malls. A total of 22 children were observed while interacting with their caregivers and their use of smartphones was registered (N = 269 events) and classified according to (a) the person who used the smartphone and (b) the actions that took place during its use. Results indicated smartphones were mostly used by caregivers (n = 226, 84.01 %), followed by a co-use to take pictures or make videos (n = 27, 10.03 %). Children's use was infrequent (n = 16, 5.94 %). During caregivers' use, children usually engaged in activities that did not involve their caretaker, such as silently eating, interacting with another adult not using a smartphone at the moment or looking around. When children attempted to interact with their caregivers while they were using their smartphones, caregivers rarely responded. No disruptive behaviors on children were observed after caregivers' lack of response. Using a survey methodology, Study 2 explored children's and caregivers' use of mobile devices at home. A total of 42.9 % of caregivers reported they sometimes facilitate a device to their children to be able to accomplish other domestic and work-related tasks, as well as to satisfy personal needs. Daily duration of caregivers' use of devices was longer on weekdays (M = 207 minutes, SD = 116.02) than weekends (M = 164.25 minutes, SD = 118.54). Caregivers' daily duration of use was related to children's daily duration of use during weekdays (r = .414) and weekends (r = .451), and during caregiving time on weekdays (r = .328) and weekends (r = .541). Using a Likert scale (1 = never, 5 = always), the children's consumed content was explored. Findings indicate that children mostly consumed content from YouTube (M = 3.60, SD = 1.14) and children's educational apps (M = 3.13, SD = 1.5). Use of educational videogames (M = 3.27, SD = 1.34), puzzle-like videogames (M = 2.36, SD = 1.26) and word games (M = 2.23, SD = 1.14) was more frequent than action (M= 1.48, SD = 1.02) and sports videogames (M= 1.55, SD = 0.93). Educational televised programs (M = 3.58, SD = 1.10) and musical cartoons (M = 3.27, SD = 1.11) were frequently consumed by children. A total of 47.2 % of caregivers also indicated that they always accompany their children while they use devices at home. Caregivers reported a higher use of technological restrictive mediation (M = 4.14, SD = 1.14) and supervision (M = 4.1, SD = 1.11), followed by instructive (M = 3.93, SD = 1.19) and co-use mediation (M= 3.62, SD = 1.14). On a scale of 1 (very negative) to 5 (very positive), caregivers indicated that physical activity (M = 1.72, SD = 1.07) and sleep (M = 2.09, SD = .96) were most negatively affected by children's device use, whereas mathematical (M = 3.36, SD = 1.04) and linguistic skills (M = 3.44, SD = 1.13) were the most positively affected. This study's results provide a preliminary understanding of the context of use of mobile technology during caregiving of young children.

Continuing Qualitative Data Collection During the COVID 19 Pandemic: Lessons Learnt from A Study Among Tribes in Manipur, India

COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in carrying out research activities in the field. The estab-lished methods of data collection for both qualitative and quantitative research could not be implement-ed. Researchers worldwide adopted contactless data collection methods, including the use of mobile phones for research purposes.This paper presents the experiences of conducting interviews among trib-al population using mobile phones in three villages of Manipur during the pandemic.The interviews proved to be successful and effective. Minor technical glitches were a challenge but were not significant to affect the quality of the data. During unprecedented times such as the current pandemic, conducting interviews via mobile phones could be a viable alternative to face-to-face interviews for collecting quali-tative data from the communities.

Evaluación de Salud Mental durante la Pandemia por Covid-19, con App de Bienestar Mexicana / Evaluation of Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic with a Mental Health App in Mexico

Resumen Antecedentes. La inteligencia artificial (IA) simula los procesos cognitivos transducidos a sistemas informáticos; posibilita tomar decisiones con alto nivel de eficacia, ello permite hacer diagnósticos y predicciones clínicas con base en el análisis con algoritmos precisos. Una de las consecuencias de la pandemia por Covid-19 es el daño en salud mental en la población, la IA y la atención a distancia permite el diagnóstico e intervención de un número importante de personas que buscan apps y espacios virtuales de atención psicológica. Objetivo. Identificar los niveles de ansiedad, autoestima, depresión, fuerza personal, ideación suicida, duelo e inteligencia emocional empleando una app de bienestar durante la pandemia por Covid-19. Material y Método. Se trató de un diseño no probabilístico, no experimental, transversal, descriptivo, cuantitativo y comparativo. Se trató de una n= 30,466 mexicanos de todos los estados del país, usuarios de la aplicación de bienestar psicológico y salud mental Jenny Mindful, que respondieron los instrumentos ex profesos para esta investigación por convocatoria en la app. Procedimiento: mediante la app se envió invitación abierta para participar en la investigación de salud mental durante la pandemia por Covid-19, que incluía los instrumentos a contestar, objetivos, y las indicaciones, del 6 de febrero de 2020 al 3 de mayo de 2021. La app sólo arroja los resultados de los instrumentos contestados, identificando al usuario, el género, la edad; y en caso de los adultos, el rango de salario, la actividad laboral, la empresa de trabajo y el área. Resultados. Del total de los usuarios de la app que participaron, el 83.6% fueron mujeres; el 23% fueron adolescentes, el 45% adultos emergentes, el 31% adultos, y el 1% > 49 años de edad. Se encontraron niveles altos en la población con ansiedad, depresión, estrés e ideación suicida y duelo, con diferencias significativas mayores en mujeres, adolescentes y adultos emergentes; la autoestima con puntuaciones más altas en el grupo de mayores a 49 años. Fuerza personal e inteligencia emocional, factores ambos protectores, tuvieron significancia estadística a favor de adultos, mayores a 49 años, y puntuaciones bajas en el grupo de adolescentes. Conclusiones. Mediante la aplicación de instrumentos de salud mental con una app de bienestar psicológico, se pudo seleccionar a una n elevada de participantes de diferentes grupos etarios, identificando puntuaciones altas de ansiedad, depresión, e ideación suicida en niveles de riesgo, y con diferencias significativas en adolescentes, adultos emergentes, y mujeres. Los adultos mayores de 49 años tuvieron puntuaciones positivas en Fuerza personal e Inteligencia emocional.

Abstract Background. Artificial intelligence (AI) simulates cognitive processes transduced to computer systems. It allows making decisions with a high level of effectiveness, this permit making diagnoses and clinical predictions based on the algorithms. One of the consequences of Covid-19 disease is the damage to mental health in the population. AI and remote care allow the diagnosis and intervention of a significant number of people who are looking for apps and virtual spaces for psychological care. Objective. To identify the levels of anxiety, self-esteem, depression, personal strength, suicidal ideation, grief and emotional intelligence by means of a well-being app during the Covid-19 pandemic. Material and Methods. It was a non-probabilistic, non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative and comparative design. Procedure. Through the app, an open invitation was sent to participate in mental health research during the Covid-19 pandemic, which included the instruments to be answered, objectives, and indications, from February six of 2020 to May Three of 2021. The app returns the results of the answered instruments, identifying the user, gender, age, and in the case of adults, the salary range, the work activity, the work company and the work area. Results. Of the total app users who participated, 83.6% were women; 23% were adolescents, 45% emerging adults, 31% adults, and 1% > 49 years of age. High levels of anxiety, depression, stress and suicidal ideation and grief were found in the population, with significant differences greater in women, adolescents, and emerging adults; self-esteem with higher scores in the group older than 49 years. Personal strength and emotional intelligence, both protective factors, had statistical significance in favor of adults, older than 49 years, and low scores in the group of adolescents. Conclusions. With the application of mental health instruments with a psychological well-being app, it was possible to select a high n of participants from different age groups, identifying high scores for anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation at risk levels, and with significant differences in adolescents, emerging adults, and women. Those over 49 years of age had positive scores on Personal Strength and Emotional Intelligence.

Cancer awareness & its association with demographic variables & mobile phone usage among the rural population of a district in north India

Background & objectives: Lack of awareness is one of the major reasons for the high morbidity and mortality associated with cancers. The present study was aimed to evaluate the awareness of prevalent cancers among the rural population in a district of north India and its association specifically with mobile phone usage. Methods: Using a stratified random sampling technique, households in three villages of Gautam Buddh Nagar district of India were selected. A house-to-house survey on cancer awareness was conducted among adults in selected households and data were analyzed to check for the association of such an awareness with sociodemographic factors and internet usage. Results: The study included 59 males and 145 females, with majority (115) being in the age group of 18-30 yr. Although most (96.5%) of the participants were aware of cancer, the common risk factors and warning signs of cancer were known to only a few. Specific risk factors for cervical and breast cancers were, however, not known to a majority (79.9% and 72.2%). A significant association between the awareness of general risk factors and warning signs as well as specific aspects including risk factors for breast, cervical and oral cancer, HPV vaccine and the education level of the participants (P<0.05 for all). Knowledge of risk factors, warning signs and cancer prevention modalities was higher among mobile phone users who accessed internet for health information. There was no significant association between age group and cancer risk factor awareness, though females were more aware of the risk factors for breast cancer (P=0.002). Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the existing low level of awareness of cervical and breast cancers among the rural population. The association of cancer awareness with education level and mobile phone-based internet usage suggests the potential utility of internet-based platforms such as m-health programmes for cancer prevention activities

A study on the effect of mobile phone use on sleep

Background & objectives: Several studies have been conducted globally to assess the impact of usage of mobile phones on quality and duration of sleep as also on day time sleepiness. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of mobile phone usage on the quality and composition of sleep in a sample from Indian population. Methods: The study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in north India from July 2014 to September 2019. A total of 566 participants were recruited in this study from both the centres. Sleep quality was assessed with the help of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Subsequently, actigraphy was done in 96 participants and polysomnography in 95 participants. Results: Of the 566 participants, 128 (22.61%) had PSQI ?5, reflecting poor sleep quality. A higher use of mobile phone was significantly associated with a poor sleep quality as a component of PSQI questionnaire (P=0.01) and higher overall PSQI score (P=0.01). The latency from sleep onset to N2 and N3 sleep stages was significantly shorter in participants having a higher mobile phone usage as compared to those with a lower usage [Median (range): 13.5 min (1.5-109) vs. 6.5 min (0-89); P=0.02] and [Median (range): 49 min (8.5-220.5) vs. 28.75 min (0-141); P=0.03], respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: This study focused on the maladaptive changes brought on by mobile phone usage on sleep. More studies with larger sample sizes need to be done that may serve to confirm the hypothesis generating findings of our study

Application of mobile phone technology as intervention for the management of tuberculosis patients diagnosed through community survey

Background & objectives: The delay in communicating the results to tuberculosis (TB) patients leads to increased rates of initial loss to follow up of treatment. The gap in communication among healthcare providers requires application of new tools that will address the challenges. Mobile phone technologies could be a useful tool in this context for the delivery of information. The objective was thus to evaluate communication by mobile applications such as the WhatsApp Messenger to decrease initial loss to follow up after initial treatment for TB. Methods: Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India undertook a community prevalence survey to find the burden of TB. During this survey, mobile phone-based technology (WhatsApp messenger) was employed as an intervention among the healthcare providers and researchers involved for communicating. This was further evaluated for its usefulness by examining the initial loss to follow up and patients initiated on treatment. Results: The study covered four blocks of Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, South India, namely Kadambathur, Poondi, Thiruvalangadu and Periyapalayam. The survey population was around 20,000 from each block, and the average patients diagnosed by community TB prevalence survey were 30 patients from each block. Among the patients diagnosed through this survey, in the first block, only 55 per cent were initiated on treatment; subsequently, with the intervention, the initial loss to follow up was significantly reduced from 45 to zero per cent. Interpretation & conclusions: After integrating of WhatsApp messenger application for communication among healthcare providers and research

A Study on Effect of Mobile Phone among College Students in Chennai

Background: Smart phones have become an integral part of our life, especially among the younger population. Due to its overuse, the effects caused by mobile phones and electromagnetic field also show an increasing trend. Hence this study was conducted to assess the ill effects of mobile phone use among the college students in Chennai. Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted among college students, Chennai, from May 2019 to June 2019. Males and Females between 17 to 23 years of age were included in the study. A total of 125 students selected by convenient sampling technique were included in the study. The study was conducted using a questionnaire, covering particulars related to mobile phone usage and its ill effects on them. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Results: Proportion of participants with different ill effects includes pimples (18.4%), sleep disturbances (16%), loss of interest in studies (15.2%), fatigue (11.2%), headache (9.6%), restlessness (8.8%), and redness of eye (6.4%), irritability (6.4%), dizziness (4.8%), thumb pain (3.2%) and earache (1.6%). Conclusion: Students needs to be educated regarding the health problems owing to the over usage of mobile phones and large-scale studies are needed to assess the extent of the problem.

Research progress in estimation and monitoring of individual exposure dose based on mobile phones / 中国辐射卫生

In case of accidental exposure, a rapid assessment of radiation dose is of great significance for taking timely countermeasures. Finding an alternative portable emergency dosimeter is crucial for people who have been exposed to accidental radiation but are not equipped with a personal dosimeter. In addition, the real-time monitoring of radiation dose level in the normal environment can meet the needs of the public to know their health status in time. Thus, the portability and intelligence of mobile phones attract researchers to carry out related work. This article reviews the research progress in individual exposure dose estimation and monitoring based on mobile phones.