Consequence of phubbing on psychological distress among the youth of Hyderabad

Abstract

Background: Phubbing is defined as modern communication in which a person snubs another in a social setting by concentrating on their phone instead of having conversation. Derived from phone and snubbing words. This phenomenon has got a negative consequence that effects the psychological well being. Aim and Objectives: 1.To determine the prevalence of phubbing and characteristics of Phubbing behavior among youth2.To assess the consequence of Phubbing on psychological distress among youth. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study to be conducted among youth as they were more likely to use smartphones for many purposes. About 430 Students of Medicine(MBBS), Engineering, Arts and Unani college which were closer to the vicinity of our medical college located at Hyderabad were included using simple random sampling. Variables included socio demographic, phubbing characteristics, phubbing prevalence questionnaire using phubbing scale (Karadag) and Kesslers psychological distress scale to assess the consequence of phubbing. Results: Prevalence of phubbing was found among 223(52%) of the youth. Among them home phubbers were 118(52.9%) and college phubbers were 105(47.1%) with majority using whatsapp and facebook. Majority35% were phubbing for a duration of half an hour to one hour for more than of 3-5 times a day. Psychological distress was found to be mild (43%), moderate (34%) and severe (23%) of youth. There was statistically significant association between phubbing scoring and psychological distress by ANOVA. Conclusions: Early identification of this consequence helps to improve their behavior and psychological well being..

Keywords

• behavior characteristics
• phubbing
• psychological distress
• well-being
• youth