European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Context: Social media use is a two-edged sword with its pros and cons. Its excessive use contributes to misuse and addiction and affects physical and mental health. According to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), 66% of the 180 million internet users in urban India regularly access social media platforms. A study on Facebook use among medical students found a positive correlation between its excess use and adverse health effects. With increasing internet and social media use, more research requires on their uses and impact on health. The data regarding its use and the effect on students' health at our medical college has not yet been documented.
Aims: To evaluate the effect of social media use on the health of medical and paramedical undergraduate students.
Settings and Design: At Government Medical, Nursing and Physiotherapy College. The questionnaire-based cross-sectional study
Methods and Material: The questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted among students of MBBS, B.Sc. Nursing and physiotherapy at a government medical college for over one month. Questionnaires were distributed among the students and were filled by the students anonymously. Descriptive statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel.
Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistical analysis is done by using Microsoft Excel.
Results: A total of 375 responses were obtained. Among them, 77.7% use WhatsApp, followed by 54.7% use Instagram. Social media is mostly used for entertainment (65.8%) and contact with family and friends (62.8%).1-3 hours spent daily on social media by 53.9% of students, more in the evening (56.5%) and at night (56.5%). Physical symptoms like burning eyes (43.6%), headache (34.8%), neck pain (17.9%) and back pain (10.9%) are common within 1 month of use. Reduced concentration in a study (63.2%) and disturbed sleep (35.4%) are reported. (39.6%) students postpone their meals.
Conclusions: Unwisely, use of social media is linked with a negative effect on physical health and health-related behaviours.