The Phubbing Scale (PS-8) in the Portuguese population: psychometric properties

Phubbing is defined as ignoring other individuals by using a mobile phone during a face-to-face conversation. The Phubbing Scale (PS) was developed to assess this practice. In this study, we analyze the psychometric properties of the 8-item version of the PS (PS-8) in the Portuguese population, providing validity evidence based on internal structure and on relationships with other variables, and examining item properties, reliability, and measurement invariance across gender. Participants were 391 Portuguese adults (132 men, 259 women) who completed a battery of questionnaires. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices for the two-factor structure (communication disturbance and phone obsession), which was invariant across gender. Item homogeneity and reliability of factor scores (McDonald's omega) were satisfactory. Validity evidence based on relationships with other variables was provided by positive associations with time spent on the Internet on weekdays and at the weekend, time spent on social networking sites, number of social networks used, Internet addiction, problematic mobile phone use, Facebook intrusion, fear of missing out, and depression. These associations show the addictive component of phubbing and its relationship with mental health. The PS-8 is a short and easy-to-administer scale with adequate psychometric properties for measuring phubbing in the Portuguese population. (AU)

O uso de aplicativo de celular para medir frequência cardíaca e saturação periférica de oxigênio / The use of cellular application to measure heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation

Avaliar a associação da medida de frequência cardíaca (FC) e saturação periférica de oxigênio (SpO2 ) utilizando um aplicativo de celular e um monitor multiparamétrico. Métodos: Estudo experimental e randomizado entre participantes saudáveis. Investigou o aplicativo Samsung Health® e o monitor multiparamétrico da marca Midway®, modelo: PM-60. O estudo foi estruturado em quatro etapas. Para análise estatística, aplicou correlação de Pearson e Spearman, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Dos 150 participantes a idade média foi de 22,3±4,5 anos, o sexo feminino foi predominante (71,3%). Verificouse forte correlação da FC medida pelo monitor com a FC do aplicativo de celular (r=0,93) indicando correlação positiva (p<0,001). A SpO2 medida por monitor multiparamétrico e pelo aplicativo de celular revelou um r=0,05 (p=0,51), o que atesta uma correlação nula e não significativa. Conclusão: Não houve correlação entre a medida da SpO2 do monitor multiparamétrico e do aplicativo Samsung Health®, não sendo confiável a utilização deste aplicativo para monitorar e gerenciar o sinal vital SpO2 em pessoas saudáveis. A FC medida com o aplicativo é significativa, e pode ser utilizada para monitorar e gerenciar esse sinal vital.

Assess the association of the measure of heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) using a mobile application and a multiparameter monitor. Methods: Study experimental and randomized healthy participants. Investigated the application Samsung Health® and multiparameter monitor Midway® make, model: PM-60. The study was divided into four stages. Statistical analysis was applied Pearson and Spearman correlation with 5% significance level. Results: Of the 150 participants average age was 22.3±4.5 years, females were predominant (71.3%). There was a strong correlation HR measured by the monitor application to cell FC (r=0.93) indicating a positive correlation (p<0.001). SpO2 measured by multiparameter monitor and the mobile application revealed r=0.05 (p=0.51), which demonstrates a zero and no significant correlation. Conclusion: There was no correlation between the SpO2 measurement of the multiparameter monitor and the Samsung Health® app, not being trusted to use this application to monitor and manage the vital sign SpO2 in healthy people. The HR measured with the application is significant, and can be used to monitor and manage this vital sign.

Effects of the excessive use of electronic screens on vision and emotional state / Efeitos do uso excessivo de telas eletrônicas na visão e no estado emocional

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate relations between electronic screen use and eye health in a representative sample of the Brazilian population. Methods Data were collected online and analyzed at a private Brazilian hospital (Provisão Hospital, Maringá, Brazil). Male and female individuals aged 12 to 35 years participated in the study. A population-based cross-sectional survey based on a questionnaire developed using the Google Forms interface was carried out. The questionnaire was answered anonymously in order to ensure the confidentiality of data and the privacy of participants. Data were collected between October 13, 2020, and January 30, 2021. Results A total of 200 questionnaires were completed. Most responders were young people aged 18 to 27 years. Daily electronic device use time reported by responders ranged from more than 5 hours (150; 75.5%) to 3 to 5 hours/day (28; 14%) or 2 to 3 hours/day (16; 8%). Only a small proportion of responders (2.5%) used these devices less than 1 hour per day. Most participants had myopia (164; 84%) and/or astigmatism (151; 75.5%), whereas keratoconus was less prevalent (34; 17%). However, 92 participants were unable to say whether they had these diseases or not. Most participants reported eye symptoms after screen use (red eyes, fatigue, dry and gritty eyes and blurred vision). Mental issues such as smartphone dependence and difficulties to communicate while using electronic devices were also addressed. Most responders reported dependence and communication problems. Conclusions Most young people in this sample had sings of eye disease, including keratoconus. Smartphone dependence and addition was also observed. Findings presented may inform future studies and help health authorities to properly guide public health strategies aimed at eye disease prevention.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o uso de telas na saúde ocular em uma amostra populacional brasileira. Métodos Os dados foram adquiridos on-line, e as análises foram realizadas em uma clínica privada na Região Sul do Brasil. Os participantes foram indivíduos de 12 a 35 anos, de ambos os sexos. Foi realizada pesquisa transversal de base populacional por meio de questionário elaborado na plataforma Google Forms. O questionário foi respondido de forma anônima, mantendo o sigilo dos dados coletados e a privacidade dos participantes. A coleta de dados teve início em 13 de outubro de 2020 e término em 30 de janeiro de 2021. Resultados Foram respondidos 200 questionários. A maioria foi de jovens entre 18 e 27 anos. O tempo de uso de dispositivos eletrônicos durante o dia foi de mais de 5 horas para 150 (75,5%) entrevistados, 28 (14%) gastavam de 3 a 5 horas por dia, 16 (8%) de 2 a 3 horas por dia e uma pequena parte dos entrevistados (2,5%) usava menos de 1 hora por dia. A maioria dos participantes tinha miopia (164; 84%) e/ou astigmatismo (151; 75,5%). Ceratocone foi menos prevalente (34; 17%), entretanto 92 pessoas não sabiam a resposta. A maioria dos participantes teve problemas nos olhos após o uso da tela, como olhos vermelhos, cansados e secos, além de visão turva. Questões mentais, como dependência de smartphones e dificuldade de comunicação durante o uso do dispositivo, também foram abordadas. A maioria dos entrevistados demonstrou dependência e problemas de comunicação. Conclusões A maior parte dos jovens apresentou quadro de doenças oculares, incluindo ceratocone. Dependência e adição de smartphone também foram observados. Esses resultados apoiam a identificação de fatores associados à patologia ocular, servindo de base para estudos futuros, e podem auxiliar às autoridades de saúde no direcionamento adequado das atividades de prevenção e controle em saúde pública.

Detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria on cell phones of hospital and university-based populations in Curitiba, southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cell phones have become indispensable for professional activities, including healthcare. Thus, they are possible sources of bacterial contamination. There is a scarcity of data in the literature regarding identification of risk factors for contamination of cell phones with pathogenic bacteria. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and/or Enterobacteriaceae on cell phones belonging to hospital healthcare staff and university students in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and to identify variables associated with such contamination. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in a public university's referral hospital and lecture buildings in 2017. METHODS: We sampled the surface of cell phones using the dipslide method, with Baird-Parker agar and Escherichia coli-coliform chromogenic (ECC) agar. We assessed the population's sociodemographic, behavioral and hygiene characteristics through interviews. Possible presence of S. aureus colonies was confirmed using agglutination tests, with evaluation of methicillin sensitivity. Colonies in ECC medium were counted. Stepwise logistic regression (forward P < 0.15) was performed to identify characteristics associated with bacterial contamination. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of S. aureus, MRSA and Enterobacteriaceae were, respectively, 32%, 4% and 3%. No difference was found between the hospital and university-based populations (P > 0.05). The only variable associated with bacterial contamination was the use of cloth/velvet/leather phone cases (odds ratio: 2.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-7.91). CONCLUSIONS: Potentially pathogenic bacteria were prevalent on the cell phones of this hospital and university population. Use of phone cases made of cloth-like material should be discouraged, especially in hospital settings.

The association of sleep and late-night cell phone use among adolescents / Associação entre o sono e o uso noturno de celular entre adolescentes

Abstract Objective: This study aims to assess the relationship of late-night cell phone use with sleep duration and quality in a sample of Iranian adolescents. Methods: The study population consisted of 2400 adolescents, aged 12-18 years, living in Isfahan, Iran. Age, body mass index, sleep duration, cell phone use after 9 p.m., and physical activity were documented. For sleep assessment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire was used. Results: The participation rate was 90.4% (n = 2257 adolescents). The mean (SD) age of participants was 15.44 (1.55) years; 1270 participants reported to use cell phone after 9 p.m. Overall, 56.1% of girls and 38.9% of boys reported poor quality sleep, respectively. Wake-up time was 8:17 a.m. (2.33), among late-night cell phone users and 8:03 a.m. (2.11) among non-users. Most (52%) late-night cell phone users had poor sleep quality. Sedentary participants had higher sleep latency than their peers. Adjusted binary and multinomial logistic regression models showed that late-night cell users were 1.39 times more likely to have a poor sleep quality than non-users (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: Late-night cell phone use by adolescents was associated with poorer sleep quality. Participants who were physically active had better sleep quality and quantity. As part of healthy lifestyle recommendations, avoidance of late-night cell phone use should be encouraged in adolescents.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre o uso de celular à noite e a duração e a qualidade do sono em uma amostra de adolescentes iranianos. Métodos: A população estudada consistiu em 2.400 adolescentes, entre 12 e 18 anos, que residem em Isfahan, Irã. Foram documentados a idade, o índice de massa corporal, a duração do sono, o uso de celular após as 21h e prática de atividade física. Para avaliação do sono, usamos o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI). Resultados: A taxa de participação foi de 90,4% (n = 2.257). A idade média (DP) foi de 15,44 ± (1,55) anos; 1.270 relataram o uso do celular após as 21h. Em geral, 56,1% das meninas e 38,9% dos meninos relataram sono de má qualidade, respectivamente. Os indivíduos que usaram celular à noite acordaram às 8h17 (2,33) e os que não usaram acordaram às 8h03 (2,11). A maior parte (52%) dos usuários de celular à noite apresentou má qualidade de sono. Aqueles sem algum tipo de atividade física apresentaram maior latência do sono do que seus pares. Os modelos ajustados de regressão logística binária e multinomial mostraram que os usuários de celular à noite foram 1,39 vez mais propensos a ter má qualidade do sono do que seus pares (p < 0,001). Conclusão: O uso de celular à noite por adolescentes foi associado a pior qualidade do sono. Os participantes fisicamente ativos apresentaram melhor qualidade e maior tempo de sono. Como parte das recomendações de estilo de vida saudável, os adolescentes devem ser incentivados a evitar o uso de celular à noite.

Effect of the inclusion of mobile phone interviews to Vigitel / Efeito da inclusão de entrevistas por telefone celular ao Vigitel

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact on the prevalence changes of risk factors for chronic diseases, published in the Surveillance System of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel), after the inclusion of data from the population only with mobile phone. METHODS Our study used data from the 26 State capitals and Federal District of Brazil obtained by the National Survey on Health (PNS) and Vigitel, both held in 2013. In each capital, we added a subsample of 200 adults living in households with only mobile phones, extracted from PNS, to the Vigitel 2013 database, with approximately 1,900 households, named Vigitel dual frame. RESULTS Vigitel results showed absolute relative biases between 0.18% and 14.85%. The system underestimated the frequency of adult smokers (10.77%), whole milk consumption (52.82%), and soft drink consumption (22.22%). Additionally, it overestimated the prevalence of hypertension (25.46%). In the simulations using Vigitel dual frame, with inclusion of the sample of adults living in households with only mobile phones, the bias of estimates was reduced in five out of eight analyzed indicators, with greater effects in regions with lower rates of landline coverage. In comparing regions, we observed negative correlation (ρ = −0.91) between the percentage of indicators with presence of bias and the percentage of households with only mobile phone. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate the benefits of including a subsample of 200 adults with only mobile phone on the Vigitel sample, especially in the capitals of the North and Northeast regions.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar o impacto nas mudanças das prevalências de fatores de risco de doenças crônicas, divulgadas no Vigitel, após a inclusão de dados provenientes da população com somente telefone celular. MÉTODOS O estudo utilizou os dados das capitais obtidos da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde e do Vigitel, que foram realizados em 2013. Em cada capital, acrescentou-se uma subamostra de 200 adultos residentes em domicílios com somente celular, extraída da PNS, à base de dados do Vigitel 2013, com aproximadamente 1.900 domicílios, denominado Vigitel cadastro duplo. RESULTADOS Os resultados do Vigitel mostraram vícios relativos absolutos entre 0,18% e 14,85%. O sistema subestimou a frequência de adultos fumantes (10,77%), o consumo de leite com teor integral de gordura (52,82%) e o consumo de refrigerante (22,22%). Adicionalmente, superestimou a prevalência de hipertensão (25,46%). Nas simulações utilizando o Vigitel cadastro duplo, com inclusão da amostra de adultos residentes em domicílios com somente celular, o vício das estimativas foi reduzido em cinco de oito indicadores analisados, com maiores efeitos nas regiões com menores taxas de cobertura de telefonia fixa. Na comparação entre as regiões, observa-se correlação negativa (ρ = -0,91) entre o percentual de indicadores com presença de vício e o percentual de cobertura de domicílios com somente celular. CONCLUSÕES Os resultados do presente estudo indicam os benefícios da inclusão de uma subamostra de 200 adultos com somente celular na amostra do Vigitel, especialmente nas capitais das regiões Norte e Nordeste.

Exposição às radiações eletromagnéticas não ionizantes decorrentes da telefonia celular e efeitos à saúde / Exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation resulting from cellular and health effects

O crescimento da Telefonia Celular (TC) e, portanto, do número de Estações Radiobase (ERB), que estabelecem a comunicação com os aparelhos celulares, ampliou a aplicabilidade de serviços decorrentes desta tecnologia sem fio. Embora apresente benefícios para o estilo atual de vida, a TC tem gerado preocupações sobre os possíveis efeitos adversos à saúde das populações expostas às radiações eletromagnéticas não ionizantes (RENI). Estão inclusos nesta tese o conjunto de três artigos com o objetivo geral de investigar a associação entre exposição a radiações eletromagnéticas não ionizantes decorrentes das ERB/TC e efeitos à saúde. Em estudo de corte transversal, foram aplicados 440 questionários por meio de entrevistas domiciliares em dois bairros na cidade de Salvador/BA...

The growth of mobile phone and therefore the number of base station, which establish communication with mobile devices, has extended the applicability of services under this wireless technology. Although it has benefits for the current lifestyle, mobile phone has generated concerns about possible adverse health effects of exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation populations. The set of three articles are included in this thesis with the overall objective to investigate the association between exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation arising from base station of the mobile phone and health symptoms. In cross-sectional study, 440 questionnaires were applied by means of interviews in two neighborhoods in Salvador/BA...

possible rescue effect of vitamin-E or silymarin on lung tissue of male albino rats exposed to electromagnetic field

Investigation of the histological and histochemical changes in the lung of male albino rats exposed to mobile phone radiation and the possible protective role of vitamin E or Silymarin. The present study was carried out on 36 adult male albino rats [Sprague dawly]; they were divided equally into 6 groups [C group: control rats; R group: rats exposed to 900 MHz [2h /day] of radiofrequency electromagnetic field [RF-EMF] radiation; S group: positive control rats given Silymarin; E group: positive control rats given Vitamin E; R+S group: rats treated with Silymarin post EMF irradiation and R+E group treated with vitamin E post EMF irradiation]. Rats exposed to mobile phone radiation showed numerous histological and histochemical changes; these changes were ameliorated by using vitamin E or Silymarin. Vitamin E showed anti-damaging effect of lung tissue exposed to mobile phone radiation more than Silymarin. The present study showed that the natural anti-oxidant Silymarin and vitamin E could protect the lung tissue from the damage produced after the exposure to mobile phone radiation. Vitamin E showed significant anti-damaging effect more than the anti-damaging effect of Silymarin

Cellular phones: are they really detrimental to health.

With the increasing use of cell phones for the past decade or so, the harmful effects caused by the extensive use of cell phones have become a great concern. There has been intensive research completed on this topic which focuses particularly on brain tumors, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, male infertility, etc. However, to date, there hasn't been any conclusive results which support that cell phone usage causes potential health risks. Therefore, the goal of the following review is to provide a brief overview of the epidemiological studies which show that there isn't an association between cell phone usage and health risks.

Effects of Non-Thermal Mobile Phone Radiation on Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells

Mobile phone usage currently exceeds landline communication in Africa. The extent of this usage has raised concerns about the long-term health effects of the ongoing use of mobile phones. To assess the physiological effects of radiation from mobile phones in vitro; MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells were exposed to 2W/kg non-thermal 900-MHz mobile phone radiation. The effects investigated were those on metabolic activity; cell morphology; cell cycle progression; phosphatidylserine (PS) externalisation and the generation of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species. Statistically insignificant increases in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity were observed in irradiated cells when compared to controls. Fluorescent detection of F-actin demonstrated an increase in F-actin stress fibre formation in irradiated MCF-7 cells. Cell cycle progression revealed no statistically significant variation. A small increase in early and late apoptotic events in irradiated MCF-7 cells was observed. No statistically significant changes were observed in reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species generation. In addition; quantitative and qualitative analyses of cell cycle activity and nuclear and cytosolic changes; respectively; revealed no significant changes. In conclusion; exposure to 1 h of 900-MHz irradiation induced an increase in PS externalisation and an increase in the formation of F-actin stress fibres in MCF-7 cells. Data obtained from this study; and their correlation with other studies; provides intriguing links between radio frequency radiation and cellular events and warrant further investigation

Use of mobile phones in ICU--why not ban?

Due to the rapid growth of mobile telecommunications it is predicted that by 2005 there will be 1.6 billion mobile phone users worldwide. The usage of cellphones in Intensive Care Units carries with it a high incidence of interference with a number of medical devices like implantable defibrillators, cardioverters, pacemakers, monitors and other important devices like ventilators. It is in this context that this article will throw a light on complications of cellphones use in the Intensive Care Units and various strategies that can be taken to restrict their use in the Intensive Care Units.