Effectiveness of a Self-Instructional Module on Enhancing Knowledge and Shaping Attitudes Towards Mobile Phone Addiction Among Adolescents in Selected Schools

Abstract

Mobile phone addiction in adolescents has rapidly gained recognition as a significant public health issue. Uncontrolled and prolonged mobile phone use during this critical developmental phase negatively impacts scholastic achievement, psychological health, sleep quality, and social interactions, necessitating targeted educational interventions within school settings. This study was undertaken to evaluate the baseline knowledge and attitudes of adolescents concerning mobile phone addiction, measure the impact of a Self-Instructional Module (SIM) on knowledge enhancement and attitude modification, and explore possible associations between pre-intervention scores and selected socio-demographic characteristics. A quantitative methodology employing a pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was utilized. Adolescent students from selected schools constituted the study population. Data were gathered using a validated structured knowledge questionnaire and a standardized attitude scale. The SIM was introduced subsequent to the pre-test assessment, and post-test evaluations were conducted after a defined time interval to determine the module's efficacy. Comparative analysis revealed a statistically significant elevation in post-test knowledge and attitude scores relative to pre-test scores, confirming the positive impact of the intervention. The SIM demonstrated considerable effectiveness in broadening adolescents' understanding and cultivating a responsible outlook towards mobile phone use. The study concludes that a well-structured Self-Instructional Module constitutes a reliable and practical educational tool for raising awareness and transforming attitudes related to mobile phone addiction among school students. Integration of such interventions into routine school health programs could serve as a meaningful preventive measure at the community level.