A cross-sectional study on smartphone uses among pregnant women attending childbirth classes in the Metropolitan Area of Palermo, Italy: The Stop-Phone study

Authors: Costantino C, Mazzucco W, Bonaccorso N, Sciortino M, Cimino L, Pizzo S, Conforto A, Calò I, Giliberti D, Gambino CR, Segreto D, Maiorana A, Vitale F, Casuccio A

Year: 2022 Sep 29

Category: Public Health

Journal: Ann Ig

DOI: 10.7416/ai.2022.2543

URL: https://annali-igiene.it/articoli/2022/online_ahead_of_print/09/Costantino.pdf

Abstract

Overview

Smartphones have become deeply integrated into daily life, leading to potential mobile device addiction. Concerns are rising about the effects of long-term exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields, especially during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized questionnaires during childbirth classes, followed by educational interventions by psychologists and psychotherapists, aimed at promoting conscious and correct smartphone usage among pregnant women.

Findings

  • A large portion of participants (67.2%) did not alter their smartphone habits during pregnancy.
  • Nearly all (98.3%) never discussed smartphone use with their healthcare provider during pregnancy.
  • Addiction to mobile phone usage was prevalent yet largely unrecognized among participants.

Conclusion

The study highlights the general disregard for the potential dangers of smartphone use during pregnancy. There is a critical need to educate future mothers on minimizing electromagnetic exposure to safeguard fetal and postnatal development and preserve the mother-child relationship.

smartphone use pregnancy electromagnetic fields mobile device addiction fetal development health risks public awareness
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