Impact of Smartphone Usage on the Academic Performance among Medical Students

BACKGROUND Mobile phones are considered as an essential part of day to day life. But its excessive use is detrimental to the mind and body; especially, for the young population. Even though there are many reports regarding the issues related to excessive use of smartphones and its impact on the academic and social life of college going students, research related to medical students is sparse. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of smartphone usage on academic performance of a selected group of medical students using a structured questionnaire. METHODS A survey-based study has conducted among randomly selected MBBS students (N=200), comprising of 85 males and 115 females, in the age group of 17-25 years. A self-administered and pre-tested questionnaire which includes questions on the effect of smart phone, was used. RESULTS Results of the survey showed that all the participants are using smart phones and agreed that it is an essential part of their life. Among these, only 12.2% of students are using it for academic purpose. Surprisingly 68.8% students use their mobile phone inside the classroom. 44.2% of the participants felt that their smartphones are distracting them from studies. They also reported that due to the overuse of smartphones they are unable to concentrate on studies (34.2%), it affects study habits and leads to poor performance in exams (40%), produces stress for the eyes (21%) and a decrease in overall academic performance (29.1%). CONCLUSIONS The present study group of medical students felt that overuse of smartphone is the main reason for their poor academic performance. They also realise the ill effect of overuse of mobile phones on health. The present study helped us to create awareness among the participants regarding the impact of overuse of smartphones and how it is influencing their academic activities. Universities and colleges can also create awareness regarding mobile phone use.