Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

  Background : The rapid development of communication and mobile use has generated discussions about changing people's life and their dependence on cell phones. Dependence to mobile phone creates a sense of loneliness and unsuitable social support. This study aimed to determine the relationship between cell phone use and loneliness and social support scores in Tehran University of Medical Sciences’ students in 2002.

  Methods: This descriptive - analytical study was conducted on 405 students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Samples were selected by stratified sampling method. Instruments for collecting the data were the standardized questionnaires of Mobile phone Addiction Index (MPAI) and the third edition of Loneliness Scale UCLA and social support, along with demographic questions. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, and the ANOVA, chi-square and Pearson correlation co-efficient tests.

  Results: The mean for mobile phone dependence, loneliness and social support scores were: 83/41 (moderate), 53/16 (moderate) and 93/30 (borderline, mild to moderate), respectively. A significant correlation was observed between the dependence to mobile phone with loneliness and social support scores (respectively r= - .32, r= - .36, p=.001). Moderate and sever dependency upon mobile phone were higher in female students (p=.046), under 25 years old students (p=.001, p=.04) and medical and health science students.

  Conclusion: Average of dependence to cell phone, loneliness and social support is not appropriate in these students and excessive use of mobile phone is associated to feeling loneliness and social support. Depending to mobile phone is related to age, sex and health and medical colleges’ students. Therefore designing effective interventions and education of correct use of mobile phones are recommended.