[01] Sia Zhi Fung, Faculty of Medicine, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Melaka, Malaysia. [02] Thilagarupini a/p Ramish, Faculty of Medicine, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Melaka, Malaysia. [03] Mansha a/p Suresh, Faculty of Medicine, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Melaka, Malaysia. [04] Amaya Nirmani Abhayagunawardhana, Faculty of Medicine, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Melaka, Malaysia. [05] Low Kang Ning, Faculty of Medicine, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Melaka, Malaysia.

With the increased use of mobile phones, the risk they pose to health and quality of life has increased considerably. Therefore, in this study we are trying to explore about the association of smartphone radiation with neurological symptoms such as visual defects, sleep disturbance, headache and stress. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Melaka-Manipal Medical College, from December 2017 to January 2018. Prepared questionnaires were distributed to students. The questionnaire was in line with the objective of the study includes socio-demographic attributes of the students, the brands and models of the smartphones, the average hours students spent on smartphones per day, purpose of using the smartphone, several factors that believed to be associated with the smartphone use, questions on the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Linear regression and logistic regression analysis was conducted using the Epi-Info 7 version 7.2.0.1. software. We had 223 completed questionnaires from the undergraduate students. There were significant positive association seen between usage of smartphone in the dark and tingling sensation. Those who used smartphones in the dark are 1.88 times more likely to get tingling sensations. Among all the vision problems, only dry eyes was found not to be having any significant with all the variables. As for the sleep disturbance, brightness of screen, hours spend per day and usage in dark had a significant relation with is. Moreover, positive significant association were seen between stress and radiation, screen brightness and duration of smartphone usage. Based on the result of the present study, we conclude that smartphone radiation and duration spend on smartphone has association with neurological symptoms such as tingling, vision problems, sleep disturbances, headache and stress level. Ultimately there is a positive association seen between the independent and dependent variables.

Smartphone, Radiation, Students

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