Use of Smartphone for Communication, and Acquisition of Knowledge among Students of Selected Universities in Bangladesh

Md Shahjahan, Dept. of Public Health, Daffodil International University(DIU)
Md Kamrul Hossain, Daffodil International University
Ahmed Al Sabbir, Institute of Information Technology, University of Dhaka

Among university students, smartphones have been profoundly influential regular activities and academic pursuits. This study delves into the patterns of smartphone use, and its consequence on communication and academic achievement in university students About 615 students were interviewed from seven randomly selected universities in Dhaka. Data were collected through interviews in maintaining its quality. Along with descriptive analysis, logistic regression was used to explore the associations of explanatory variables with communication and knowledge acquisition. Odds of more than median communication scores associated with regular smartphone checking (OR=1.73; p<0.05) and using smartphones primarily for recreational purposes (OR=2.00; p<0.001). Conversely, students having a housewife mother (OR=0.51; p<0.05) and staring use smartphone after the age of 18 years (OR=0.64; p<=0.05) were associated with reduced odds. Regarding knowledge acquisition, Odds of achieving above-median knowledge scores for students who independently seek information on smartphones (OR=1.70; p<0.05), spend extensive time on educational tasks (OR=1.58; p<0.05), rely on smartphones for notes (OR=1.46; p<0.05), ignored their environs (OR=1.46; p<0.05), perceive smartphones as indispensable (OR=1.68; p<0.05), and use smartphones during class (OR=1.70; p<0.05). The study finding underscores the need for tailored educational interventions and policies to support academic success.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth

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