Study on Prevalence of Whatsapp Addiction among Medical Students in a Private Medical College, Pondicherry

The world is dynamically changing due to the advancement in the mobile technology. These days it is almost impossible to avoid the presence of Mobile Apps. Whatsapp is one among the major change in mobile apps communication in the recent past, it users is growing very fast. Whatsapp addiction syndrome is a part of internet addiction disorder. This study focuses on the prevalence of whatsapp addiction among medical students.

To study the prevalence, pattern, reasons, advantages and disadvantages of whatsapp addiction among medical students.

This is a cross sectional descriptive study which was done among the medical students present in the medical college. The pretested questionnaire is used for collecting the data. Questions regarding the duration of usage, reasons, to whom, its advantages and disadvantages are asked. The data was collected and analyzed by using suitable statistical methods.

Of the 200 medical students who took part in the study, 108 (54%) were male and 92 (46%) were female. The prevalence of whatsapp addiction among medical students is 51%. Reason for whatsapp usage is for chatting with friends is 87%. The benefit of using whatsapp is easy way of communication is 30.5%. The drawback of whatsapp use is no face to face interaction is 24.5%. Inspite of knowing the harmful effect of whatsapp usage, 32.5% of them are using it and unable to control it.

The whatsapp addiction problem among medical students should gain attention and it is time to evolve a comprehensive intervention approach to promote a healthy and safe whatsapp use.