MOBILE PHONE USAGE PATTERNS, PERCEIVED EFFECTS, AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN RURAL MAHARASHTRA

Background: Excessive mobile phone use among college students has emerged as a growing concern due to its association with psychological distress, sleep disturbance, and academic difficulties. While global literature is extensive, Indian studies—particularly in rural settings—documenting coping strategies alongside perceived effects remain limited.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 100 undergraduate students from a rural college in Maharashtra using a self-developed questionnaire assessing mobile phone usage patterns, sleep-related, psychological, academic, physical, and social effects, as well as coping strategies and awareness. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and modal responses.

Results: Pre-sleep mobile phone use was reported by 87% of students. All participants reported some degree of sleep disturbance. Psychological discomfort when unable to use phones was reported by 84%, while 89% experienced difficulty concentrating on academic tasks. Physical discomfort was reported by 82%, and 80% perceived social withdrawal. Although 81% attempted to reduce usage, only 48% reported success, with behavioral strategies more common than psychological coping methods.

Conclusions: Excessive mobile phone use is highly prevalent among rural undergraduate students and is associated with multidimensional adverse effects, including academic concentration difficulties. Despite awareness, effective self-regulation remains limited, highlighting the need for structured digital well-being interventions at the college level.