How people are exposed to neighborhoods racially different from their own.

In US cities, neighborhoods have long been racially segregated. However, people do not spend all their time in their neighborhoods, and the consequences of residential segregation may be tempered by the contact people have with other racial groups as they traverse the city daily. We examine the extent to which people's regular travel throughout the city is to places "beyond their comfort zone" (BCZ), i.e., to neighborhoods of racial composition different from their own-and why. Based on travel patterns observed in more than 7.2 million devices in the 100 largest US cities, we find that the average trip is to a neighborhood less than half as racially different from the home neighborhood as it could have been given the city. Travel to grocery stores is least likely to be BCZ; travel to gyms and parks, most likely; however, differences are greatest across cities. For the first ~10 km people travel from home, neighborhoods become increasingly more BCZ for every km traveled; beyond that point, whether neighborhoods do so depends strongly on the city. Patterns are substantively similar before and after COVID-19. Our findings suggest that policies encouraging more 15-min travel-that is, to amenities closer to the home-may inadvertently discourage BCZ movement. In addition, promoting use of certain "third places" such as restaurants, bars, and gyms, may help temper the effects of residential segregation, though how much it might do so depends on city-specific conditions.

Digital therapeutics-based lifestyle intervention for gestational diabetes mellitus prevention of high-risk pregnant women: a study protocol for a non-randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Digital therapeutics have been approved as a treatment aid for various medical conditions and are increasingly prevalent. Despite numerous studies on the potential of digital therapeutic interventions in preventing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), there is a critical need for more high-quality, large-scale studies to validate their effectiveness. This need arises from the inconsistencies in results and variations in the quality of previous research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We propose a non-randomised controlled trial involving 800 high-risk pregnant women in 6 maternity and child health hospitals in Fujian, China. This study aims to investigate the role and effectiveness of digital therapeutics-based lifestyle intervention in managing the health of pregnant women at high risk for GDM. The study will compare the differences in GDM prevalence, pregnancy weight management and other pregnancy-related health outcomes between pregnant women who received digital therapeutics-based lifestyle intervention and those in the control group. The intervention includes dietary guidance, a personalised physical activity programme and lifestyle improvement strategies delivered through a smartphone app. Primary outcomes include the incidence of GDM at 24-28 weeks gestation and gestational weight gain (GWG). Secondary outcomes comprise improvements in individual lifestyle and risk factors, nutritional issues, implementation outcomes and other pregnancy-related outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION SECTION: The trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (approval number: 2023KY046), Jianyang Maternity and Child Health Hospital (approval number: A202401), Fuqing Maternity and Child Health Hospital (approval number: FY2024003), Changting Maternity and Child Health Hospital (approval number: 202401), Datian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (approval number: dtfy202401) and Quanzhou Maternity and Child Health Hospital (approval number: 2024(50)). We will disseminate our findings by publishing articles in leading peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2300071496.

Demographic characteristics and trends of cell phone use while driving citations in selected states in the United States, 2010-2020.

OBJECTIVE: Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes, and cell phone use is a major source of in-vehicle distraction. Many states in the United States have enacted cell phone use laws to regulate drivers' cell phone use behavior to enhance traffic safety. Numerous studies have examined the effects of such laws on drivers' cell phone use behavior based on self-reported and roadside observational data. However, little was known about who actually violated the laws at the enforcement level. This study sought to uncover the demographic characteristics of drivers cited for cell phone use while driving and whether these characteristics changed over time since the enactment of cell phone laws. METHODS: We acquired useable traffic citation data for 7 states in the United States from 2010 to 2020 and performed descriptive and regression analyses. RESULTS: Male drivers were cited more for cell phone use while driving. Handheld and texting bans were associated with a greater proportion of cited drivers aged 40 and above, compared to texting-only bans. Trends in the citations issued based on drivers' age group following the enactment of different cell phone laws were also uncovered. The proportion of citations issued to drivers aged 60 and above increased over time but the temporal trend remained insignificant when population effect was considered. CONCLUSIONS: This study examined the demographic characteristics of drivers cited for cell phone use while driving in selected states with texting-only bans or handheld and texting bans. The results reveal policy-based differences in trends in the proportion of citations issued to drivers in different age groups.

Confronting mobile phone signal coverage and helicopter emergency medical service travel time: A geospatial analysis in the northwest macro-region of Paraná State, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed geospatial analysis of mobile phone signal coverage in the northwest macro-region of Paraná State, Brazil, seeking to identify areas where limitations in coverage may be related to lengthy travel times of the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) for the assistance of victims of road traffic injuries (RTIs). METHODS: An observational study was conducted to examine mobile phone signal coverage and HEMS travel times from 2017 to 2021. HEMS travel times were categorized into four groups: T1 (0-15 min), T2 (16-30 min), T3 (31-45 min), and T4 (over 45 min). Empirical Bayesian Kriging was used to map areas with low mobile signal coverage. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner comparative analyses were performed to explore how mobile signal coverage relates to HEMS travel times to RTI locations. RESULTS: There were 470 occurrences of RTIs attended by HEMS, of which 108 (23%) resulted in on-site fatalities. Among these deaths, 47 (26.85%) occurred in areas with low mobile phone signal coverage ("shadow areas"). Low mobile phone signal coverage identified at 175 (37.24%) RTIs locations, was unevenly distributed across the macro-region. The lowest medians of mobile signal quality were predominantly found in areas with HEMS travel times exceeding 30 min, corresponding to signal strength values of -98.44 (T3) and -100.75 (T4) dBm. This scenario represents a challenge for effective communication to activate HEMS. In the multiple comparison analysis among travel time groups, significant differences were observed between T1 and T2 (p < 0.001), T1 and T3 (p < 0.001), T1 and T4 (p < 0.001), and T2 and T3 (p < 0.001), indicating a potential association between lower mobile phone signal coverage and longer HEMS travel times. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that poor mobile phone signals in remote areas can hinder HEMS activation, potentially delaying the start of treatment for RTIs. Identification of the shadow areas can help communication and health managers in designing and implementing the necessary changes to improve mobile phone signal coverage and consequently reduce delays in the initial response to RTIs.

Panax ginseng Ameliorates Pituitary-Ovarian Dysfunction Induced by Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation from Cell Phones via Upregulation of the CREM Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Panax ginseng (PG) is a plant that contains ginsenosides, which are considered adaptogens that confer cellular protection. However, the impact of PG on pituitary-ovarian dysfunction and subsequent infertility is unknown. This study investigated the hypothesis that PG would attenuate pituitary-ovarian dysfunction associated with mobile phone's Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation (RF-EMR) in experimental rat models and the possible involvement of a cAMP Response Element Modulator (CREM)-dependent pathway. METHODS: Twenty adult female Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups, each consisting of five rats. The control group was administered a vehicle (distilled water) orally, while the P. ginseng group received 200 mg/kg of P. ginseng extract orally. The RF-EMR group was exposed to 900MHz radiation, and the RF-EMR + PG group was exposed to the same radiation while also being treated with 200 mg/kg of P. ginseng orally. These treatments were administered daily for a period of 56 days. RESULTS: The RF-EMR group exhibited significant reductions in serum levels of LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone compared to the control group. Moreover, levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly lower in the RF-EMR group compared to the control. Additionally, there was a notable decrease in the expression of the CREM gene, accompanied by disrupted pituitary/ovarian morphology in the RF-EMR group compared to the control. However, the administration of PG mitigated these changes. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that P. ginseng extract shields against pituitary-ovarian impairment linked to RF-EMR exposure from cell phones by boosting antioxidant capacity and promoting the CREM-dependent pathway.

Cell phone addiction and sleep disturbance among medical students in Jiangsu Province, China: the mediating role of psychological resilience and the moderating role of gender.

Background: Cell phone addiction presents a widespread and severe physical and mental health concern, now recognized as a global public health issue. Among medical college students, the issue of poor sleep quality has become particularly prevalent. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cell phone addiction and sleep disturbance in a population of medical college students, exploring the potential mediating role of psychological resilience and the moderating impact of gender. Methods: A random cluster sampling method was employed to survey 5,048 students from four medical colleges in Jiangsu Province, China, utilizing the Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for data collection. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0 and the PROCESS macro version 4.1. To assess mediation, Model 4 of the PROCESS macro was utilized, while Model 15 was employed to investigate the moderating effect of gender. Results: The results revealed a significant positive correlation between cell phone addiction and sleep disturbance, with psychological resilience found to partially mediate this relationship. Moreover, gender was observed to significantly moderate the impact of cell phone addiction on sleep disturbance. Specifically, bootstrap analysis indicated a significant interaction between cell phone addiction and gender (Coeff. = -0.0215, P< 0.001), with a stronger relationship found in males (simple slope = 0.0616, t = 16.66, P< 0.001) compared to females (simple slope = 0.0401, t = 9.51, P< 0.001). Conclusion: Ultimately, psychological resilience was identified as a partial mediator between cell phone addiction and sleep disturbance in medical students from Jiangsu Province, with gender playing a significant moderating role in this association.

Rosmarinic Acid Protects the Testes of Rats against Cell Phone and Ultra-high Frequency Waves Induced Toxicity.

Background: Cell phone and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) waves produce oxidative stress and cause testicular toxicity. This investigation was directed to evaluate the effectiveness of Rosmarinic Acid (RA) against oxidative stress caused by UHF radiation in rats. Methods: Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. The control received 5 mL normal saline (0.9% NaCl) by gavage, the cell phone group received 915 MHz, the UHF waves group just received 2450 MHz, the RA/cell phone group received RA plus 915 MHz, RA/UHF waves group received RA plus 2450 MHz, and RA just received RA (20 mg/kg). After 30 days of consecutive radiation, the biochemical and histopathological parameters of their testes were measured. Statistical comparison was made using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results: Cell phone and UHF wave radiation significantly diminished the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione content (P<0.001). On the opposite, UHF significantly increased oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde level, nitric oxide level, and protein carbonyl content (P<0.001). UHF also significantly reduced the number of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, epithelial height, and seminiferous tubular and luminal diameters (P<0.001). RA, as an effective antioxidant, reverses the above-mentioned harms and moderates the adverse effects of UHF on the testes of rats by significantly diminishing the oxidative stress indices and antioxidant enzyme rise and improving the histological parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion: RA can protect the testes of rats from UHF-induced toxicity by reducing oxidative stress. RA as a food supplement might be useful for protecting humans exposed to UHF environmental contamination.

Construction of influencing factor segmentation and intelligent prediction model of college students' cell phone addiction model based on machine learning algorithm.

Mobile phone addiction among college students has emerged as a prevalent phenomenon in contemporary society, posing significant challenges to the development and well-being of these individuals. The assessment of the extent of mobile phone addiction has become an urgent concern in the present context. This study employed a sample of 3000 college students from a public university in Zhejiang Province, China, to gather questionnaire data. By utilizing a machine learning algorithm, we identified the most salient factors associated with college students' addiction, with perfectionism emerging as the primary influencer. Additionally, a machine learning-based prediction model for college students' cell phone addiction was developed, yielding a prediction accuracy of 76.68%. This intelligent model can serve as a reliable tool for subsequent evaluations of college students' cell phone addiction.

Prevalence and genetic characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from cell phones of medical students from Iran.

Although mobile phones as a rapid communication vehicle can lead to improved quality of healthcare, they can also facilitate the transmission of pathogens to patients. This current research focuses on genetic diversity, and genes involved in resistance and biofilm production of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from mobile phones of medical students. Antibiotic resistance profiling and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of antibiotic resistance and biofilm-related genes were investigated and statistically analyzed. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types were analyzed by multiplex PCR, and S. aureus protein A gene typing (spa typing) was done using PCR and sequencing. Sixty-four S. aureus isolates (16.8%) were obtained from 380 medical students' mobile phones who were working in hospitals. The findings showed that 71.9% of the isolates were MRSA and 78.1% were classified as MDR. All isolates exhibited sensitivity to vancomycin and linezolid. Overall, 7.8% of the isolates displayed an inducible clindamycin resistance phenotype, while 26.7% showed resistance to mupirocin. The results indicated that 68.8% of the isolates were biofilm producers, with 7 isolates (15.9%) classified as strong producers, 22 isolates (50%) as moderate producers, and 15 isolates (34.1%) as weak producers. The most prevalent type was CC8-MRSA III/t030 (18.7%), followed by CC8-MRSA III/t037 (12.5%), CC/ST22-MSSA/t790 (10.9%), CC1-MRSA IV-t114 (9.4%), CC1-MRSA IV-t127 (7.8%), CC8-MRSA V/t064 (7.8%), CC/ST15-MSSA-t360 (7.8%), CC30-MSSA/t021(6.3%), MRSA V-t355 (6.3%), CC8-MRSA III/t421 (4.7%), CC1-MRSA V-t267 (4.7%), and CC/ST15-MSSA-t084 (3.1%). The genetic diversity and prevalent multidrug resistance indicate that the resistance situation of S. aureus recovered from mobile phones in Tehran is severe, posing a potential threat to patients, the community, and healthcare settings.

Propiedades psicométricas de la “Escala de percepción del riesgo para el uso de la tecnología” en niños y adolescentes / Psychometric properties of the “Risk perception scale for the use of technology” in children and adolescents

Los objetivos de esta investigación son: 1) crear un instrumento válido y fiable que permita evaluar la percepción del riesgo que tienen del uso de la tecnología (móvil, Internet y videojuegos) niños y adolescentes; y 2) analizar la frecuencia con la que se dan algunas conductas de riesgo en función de la percepción, el uso de la tecnología y la edad. 807 niños y adolescentes de la provincia de Córdoba (España) respondieron una batería ad hoc que recoge información sobre datos sociodemográficos; uso problemático del móvil, internet y videojuegos; y percepción de riesgo con la “Escala de percepción del riesgo del uso de la tecnología para niños y adolescentes” (EPRUT). Los resultados indican que a partir del análisis factorial, la EPRUT cuenta con tres dimensiones que hacen referencia al móvil, Internet y videojuegos. Se han observado diferencias en función de la edad y la percepción de riesgo. Evaluar la percepción del riesgo favorecerá la detección y el desarrollo de programas de prevención de uso de la tecnología en niños y adolescentes.(AU)

The aim of this work is 1) to create a valid, reliable instrument with which toevaluate the risk perception of children and adolescents regarding their use oftechnology (cell phones, Internet, and video games); and 2) to analyze thefrequency with which some risk behaviors occur in relation to perception,technology use and age. 807 children and adolescents from the province ofCordoba (Spain) answered an ad hoc questionnaire with several instruments:sociodemographic data; problematic use of cell phones, Internet, and video games;and risk perception with the Scale on Risk Perception of Technology Use forchildren and adolescents (SRPTU). The results obtained from the factor analysisreveal that the RPSTU has three dimensions, related to cell phones, Internet, andvideo games, respectively. Differences were observed in the relationship betweenage and risk perception, with older people having the highest risk perception.Assessing risk perception will favor the detection and development of preventionprograms for the use of technology in children and adolescents.(AU)

Síndrome visual informático en pacientes menores de 35 años

Introducción: El síndrome visual informático o fatiga visual digital es una enfermedad causada por el cansancio ocular que provoca el pasar mucho tiempo frente a una pantalla. Objetivo: Diagnosticar el síndrome visual informático en pacientes menores de 35 años atendidos en la consulta de refracción. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo y transversal de pacientes atendidos en la consulta de refracción del Policlínico Especialidades del Hospital Provincial Docente Clínicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora, durante el periodo de abril a junio de 2022. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes en las edades comprendidas entre 26 y 35 años y del sexo femenino; los síntomas más frecuentes fueron el cansancio visual, ardor ocular, sensación de ojo seco, visión borrosa de cerca, ojo rojo y el dolor de cabeza después del esfuerzo visual. Los dispositivos digitales más usados fueron el celular y la computadora con un tiempo de uso de una a tres horas, destacándose este último con un tiempo superior a 4 horas. Los defectos refractivos constituyeron la principal causa de limitaciones visuales. Los pacientes con síndrome visual informático y alguna ametropía sin corrección fueron los que mayor cantidad de síntomas tuvieron, seguidos de los pacientes corregidos inadecuadamente. Conclusiones: Este síndrome afecta en gran medida a la población más joven. El adecuado interrogatorio y la incorporación de los procedimientos correctos en el estudio optométrico diario permitió el diagnóstico de tal síndrome en los pacientes atendidos y la corrección óptica pertinente.

Introduction: Digital visual syndrome or digital visual fatigue is a disease caused by the ocular fatigue provoked by spending much time in front of a screen. Objective: To diagnose the digital visual syndrome in patients under 35 years assisted in the refraction service. Methods: A prospective descriptive and cross-sectional study of patients assisted in the refraction service of the Specialties Polyclinic in Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital, was carried out from April to June, 2022. Results: There was a prevalence of patients aged 26 and 35 and female sex; the most frequent symptoms were visual fatigue, ocular burning, dry eye sensation, closely blurred vision, red eye and headache after visual effort. The most used digital devices were the cellphone and the computer with a time of use from one to three hours, with emphasis in the last one with more than 4 hours. The refractive defects constituted the main cause of visual limitations. The patients with digital visual syndrome and some type of ametropia without correction were those with more symptoms, followed by the patients inadequately corrected. Conclusions: This syndrome affects the youngest population to a great extent. The appropriate interrogation and the incorporation of correct procedures in the daily optometric study allowed the diagnosis of such a syndrome in the assisted patients and the pertinent optic correction.

Cell Phones in the OR: A Cross-Sectional Study of Norwegian Perioperative Nurses' Knowledge, Practice, and Attitudes.

Few studies have focused on the use of cell phones in the OR. In Norway, researchers sought to assess perioperative nurses' knowledge, practice, and attitudes associated with cell phone use in the OR and distributed a nationwide questionnaire via a social media platform. More than 80% of the 332 respondents thought that cell phones were contaminated and that pathogens could contaminate hands. Almost all respondents brought their phone to work; approximately 61% of respondents carried it in their pocket in the OR. Responses to questions about phone cleaning showed that 39 (11.7%) of the respondents routinely cleaned their phone before entering the OR and 33 (9.9%) of the respondents cleaned it when leaving the OR. Less than 20% of respondents indicated their facility had guidelines for cleaning personal cell phones. Opportunities for improvement in cell phone cleaning in ORs exist and additional research involving all perioperative team members is needed.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Among Cell Phone Users: Cell Phone Elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome).

Introduction Cell phone usage has tremendously increased, and to make usage comfortable, accessories such as Bluetooth earphones are available. But still, most people use cell phones for a long period of time by flexing their elbows near their ears. When the users flex the elbow to hold the phone near the ear, this results in increased pressure over the ulnar nerve since the ulnar nerve runs superficially at the level of the elbow. The extensive pressure over the ulnar nerve may result in nerve compression, which results in cubital tunnel syndrome, recently called the cell phone elbow. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the ulnar nerve function among cell phone users in relation to the duration of usage. Materials and methods Young healthy volunteers (n = 30) aged between 20 and 25 years were selected for the study in order to prevent age-related neuropathic changes. After getting a history of mobile phone usage, the subjects were asked about neural symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and pain while using cell phones. Ulnar nerve function was assessed by Froment's sign and Wartenberg's sign. An ulnar nerve conduction study was done. Results Seventy percent of the subjects (n = 21) out of the 30 subjects participating in the study reported tingling and numbness during mobile phone usage. But Froment's sign and Wartenberg's sign were negative for all the subjects. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.913 and r = 0.8253) between the duration of mobile phone use and latency and a negative correlation (r = -0.8439) with conduction velocity. Conclusion The malposition of the elbow during prolonged cell phone use results in ulnar nerve entrapment. The continuous usage of cell phones without rest by flexing the elbow causes nerve compression. This can be taken as a warning sign to prevent further damage.

Mobile phone specific radiation disturbs cytokinesis and causes cell death but not acute chromosomal damage in buccal cells: Results of a controlled human intervention study.

Several human studies indicate that mobile phone specific electromagnetic fields may cause cancer in humans but the underlying molecular mechanisms are currently not known. Studies concerning chromosomal damage (which is causally related to cancer induction) are controversial and those addressing this issue in mobile phone users are based on the use of questionnaires to assess the exposure. We realized the first human intervention trial in which chromosomal damage and acute toxic effects were studied under controlled conditions. The participants were exposed via headsets at one randomly assigned side of the head to low and high doses of a UMTS signal (n = 20, to 0.1 W/kg and n = 21 to 1.6 W/kg Specific Absorption Rate) for 2 h on 5 consecutive days. Before and three weeks after the exposure, buccal cells were collected from both cheeks and micronuclei (MN, which are formed as a consequence of structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations) and other nuclear anomalies reflecting mitotic disturbance and acute cytotoxic effects were scored. We found no evidence for induction of MN and of nuclear buds which are caused by gene amplifications, but a significant increase of binucleated cells which are formed as a consequence of disturbed cell divisions, and of karyolitic cells, which are indicative for cell death. No such effects were seen in cells from the less exposed side. Our findings indicate that mobile phone specific high frequency electromagnetic fields do not cause acute chromosomal damage in oral mucosa cells under the present experimental conditions. However, we found clear evidence for disturbance of the cell cycle and cytotoxicity. These effects may play a causal role in the induction of adverse long term health effects in humans.

Protocol: Prospective evaluation of feasibility, added value and satisfaction of remote digital self-assessment for mild cognitive impairment in routine care with the neotivCare app.

INTRODUCTION: Timely diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Alzheimer's disease is crucial for early interventions, but its implementation is often challenging due to the complexity and time burden of required cognitive assessments. To address these challenges, the usability of new unsupervised digital remote assessment tools needs to be validated in a care context. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multicentric healthcare research evaluation survey, re.cogni.ze, aims to evaluate physician satisfaction with a remote digital assessment solution (neotivCare) in primary and specialised routine care in Germany. Over a period of 22 months, physicians in different regions of Germany will recommend the application (app) to approximately 1000 patients for a 12-week self-assessment of cognition. The primary endpoint is the evaluation of physicians' and patients' overall satisfaction with neotivCare and with neuropsychological questionnaires/standard procedures using a Likert scale, while secondary endpoints include user-friendliness, qualitative assessment of acceptance and potential improvements on medical routine services. The study also aims to evaluate the proportion of physicians or patients attributing added value to neotivCare compared with standard paper-pencil tests. The study results will provide insights into the feasibility, efficiency and acceptance of new digital tools for MCI diagnosis in routine care. The re.cogni.ze survey will thus provide proof-of-concept information for the implementation of remote digital cognitive assessment apps for MCI into medical routine care. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the ethics committee of the State Medical Association (Landesärztekammer) Baden-Württemberg, (F-2021-161) as the leading committee and nine ethics committees local to the participating healthcare professionals (Lower Saxony, North Rhine, Westphalia-Lippe, Hesse, Bremen, Berlin, University of Göttingen, Charite, University of Rostock). The results can be shared (upon reasonable quest) to improve routine clinical processes and holistic approaches.

Is having your cell phone the key to happiness, or does it really matter? Evidence from a randomized double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Affect can influence people's perceptions, decisions, and the way they make sense of an experience. Some studies show that having one's cell phone removed will lead to negative emotional reactions, while others have found no significant impact on how we feel. In this paper we investigate the impact of cell phone possession and removal on participant's affective state. METHODS: We use a randomized double-blind procedure to examine whether cell phone removal enhances negativity, promotes positivity, or is emotionally inconsequential. We measure affect using a PANAS self-report scale as well as a less transparent temporal-estimation procedure. RESULTS: Our findings suggest that cell phone possession or removal has no influence on a person's affective state. CONCLUSIONS: Measured through both the PANAS self-report scale and temporal estimation task, affect remained consistent regardless of cell phone possession. These results suggest that cell phones may not carry the emotional weight often attributed to them. This finding challenges a common theme revolving around the negative emotional impact of cell phones and technology. Consequently, these findings may have important implications for the generally perceived notion that cell phones are having a negative effect on people's emotions.

"It's okay because I'm just driving": an exploration of self-reported mobile phone use among Mexican drivers.

Introduction: Technological advancements have the potential to enhance people's quality of life, but their misuse can have a detrimental impact on safety. A notable example is the escalating issue of distracted driving resulting from the use of mobile phones behind the wheel, leading to severe crashes and injuries. Despite these concerns, both drivers' usage patterns and their risk-related associations remain scarcely documented in Mexico. Therefore, this descriptive study aimed to examine the mobile phone usage of Mexican drivers, its relationships to risk awareness and near-miss/crash involvement, and the self-reported underlying reasons for this behavior. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a sample of 1,353 licensed Mexican drivers who took part in a nationwide series of interviews regarding their onboard phone use settings. Results: A significant percentage of drivers (96.8%) recognize using a mobile phone while driving as high-risk behavior. However, only 7.4% reported completely avoiding its use while driving, with 22.4% identified as high-frequency users. Frequency was also found positively associated with the self-reported rate of near-misses and crashes. Furthermore, qualitative data analysis highlights the emergence of a 'sense of urgency' to attend to phone-related tasks in response to daily demands and life dynamics, offering a potential explanation for this behavior. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest common patterns of onboard mobile use among Mexican drivers concerning driving situations and associated risks. This underscores the need for increased efforts to discourage onboard phone use in the country.

Engaging and following physical injury survivors at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms: A 25 site US national study.

INTRODUCTION: Early intervention for patients at risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) relies upon the ability to engage and follow trauma-exposed patients. Recent requirements by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (College) have mandated screening and referral for patients with high levels of risk for the development of PTSD or depression. Investigations that assess factors associated with engaging and following physically injured patients may be essential in assessing outcomes related to screening, intervention, and referral. METHODS: This investigation was a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a United States level I trauma center site randomized clinical trial. All 635 patients were ages ≥18 and had high PTSD symptom levels (i.e., DSM-IV PTSD Checklist score ≥35) at the time of the baseline trauma center admission. Baseline technology use, demographic, and injury characteristics were collected for patients who were followed up with over the course of the year after physical injury. Regression analyses were used to assess the associations between technology use, demographic and injury characteristics, and the attainment of follow-up outcome assessments. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent of participants were missing one or more 3-, 6- or 12-month follow-up outcome assessments. Increased risk of missing one or more outcome assessments was associated with younger age (18-30 versus ≥55 Relative Risks [RR] = 1.78, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.09, 2.91), lack of cell phone (RR = 1.32, 95 % CI = 1.01, 1.72), no internet access (RR = 1.47, 95 % CI = 1.01, 2.16), public versus private insurance (RR = 1.47, 95 % CI = 1.12, 1.92), having no chronic medical comorbidities (≥4 versus none, RR = 0.28, 95 % CI = 0.20, 0.39), and worse pre-injury mental health function (RR = 0.99, 95 % CI = 0.98, 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: This multisite investigation suggests that younger and publicly insured and/or uninsured patients with barriers to cell phone and internet access may be particularly vulnerable to lapses in trauma center follow-up. Clinical research informing trauma center-based screening, intervention, and referral procedures could productively explore strategies for patients at risk for not engaging and adhering to follow-up care and outcome assessments.

Cell phone distraction behavior of young pedestrians: evidence from China.

Cell phone use while walking escalates pedestrian safety risks, particularly among students, given their heavy reliance on these devices. Psychological factors wield significant influence on individual behavior, particularly among adolescents who navigate a blend of rational and social-reactive pathways in decision-making. Therefore, this paper employs the Prototype Willingness Model (PWM) to scrutinize psychological determinants of students' cell phone use while walking, drawing on data from 368 valid samples. Structural equation modeling (SEM) dissects the impact of psychological constructs on this behavior, highlighting the significance of both the social response and reasoning pathways within PWM. The study comprehensively analyzes direct, indirect, and overall effects of exogenous variables on behavioral intention and behavior.

Association of mobile health (mHealth) use with health status and COVID-19-related concerns by people with mobility impairments.

PURPOSE: Mobile health (mHealth) technology has increased dramatically in the wake of the pandemic. Less research has focused on people with mobility impairing (PMI) disabilities. This study determined the prevalence of mHealth use among PMI adults during the COVID-19 escalation and examines demographic, health and COVID-19 concerns correlates. METHODS: PMI adults (N = 304) completed an online survey investigating mHealth use and COVID-19 concerns related to food access in June of 2020. Smartphone and mHealth use were measured with an adapted version of the survey used in the Pew Internet & American Life project. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine associations of demographics, health status, and COVID-19 concerns with mHealth use. About two-thirds (N = 201) of the sample were mHealth users (owned a smartphone and engaged in health-promoting behaviors with the smartphone; e.g., sought online information, tracked health behaviors, used patient portals). RESULTS: Having hypertension was associated with higher mHealth use, and having higher COVID-19 concerns about food access was associated with higher mHealth use. Those who used mHealth were also more engaged with smartphone apps for communication, services, and entertainment. Only the association between educational attainment and mHealth use remained significant after adjusting for other covariates in multivariable logistic regression models. DISCUSSION: PMIs continue to need support in the use of mHealth technology to help maximize access to potentially important tools for rehabilitation and health management. There is a need to continue to investigate mHealth and its applications for people with disabilities.Implications for RehabilitationMany people with mobility impairing disabilities may be missing opportunities for mHealth rehabilitation and healthcare.COVID-19 has widened existing gaps in access and use of mHealth technology among people with mobility impairing disabilities.Focused education is needed to help people with disabilities exploit the full range of services of their smartphones to increase access to care, social connectivity, and other important goods and services to enhance rehabilitation and health management.