European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MEDICAL STUDENTS: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Suma S.*, Aruna V. Bhavane and Kasturi B. Hunshikatti

ABSTRACT

Background: No one would deny the fact, this is the era of social media. But its extensive use by youth and increased scope of the same warrants greater scrutiny due to complex interaction between its use and behaviour in other domains. Objective: To study the impact of social media and its extent into the professional and private arena of medical students. Materials and methods: Zammit social media questionnaire instrument-modified was distributed among 200 medical students to answer and collected back. Basic data represented in percentage, proportions. Statistical analysis was done using Chi Square test to see association between different variables. Results: Our study reveals, primary source of access to social media is via smartphone(75%, p <0.001) through whatsapp(96%, p <0.05) & Facebook(96%, p<0.001) leading the list. 84% of students felt the prime attraction is communication and instant access of information (60%, p<0.01), Nevertheless, they also use to download medical apps(54%), e-textbooks(50%), videos(38%,p <0.05). They feel compelled to use during class hours / better to abstain during exams. Students reported detrimental aftermath of long hours of usage such as delay in food & sleep(54%), decreased Physical activity(46%), eye irritation/dryness(44%), headache(36%), sleeplessness/anxiety(26%,p<0.05), noticeable increase in refractive power (18%). Conclusion: Creating awareness, adopting safety norms and prevention of over indulgence into social media by medical students especially would ensure us with not only an erudite future medical fraternity but also a better society through them.

Keywords: social media, medical students, awareness, safety norms.