Pathogenic microorganisms found on mobile phones of the nursing students of Cavite State University and their effective disinfectants / by Mark Gregor V. Lopez, Dexter Paolo V. Lopez, and Don Rafael V. Lopez.

Thesis (BS Nursing) Cavite State University

Includes bibliographical references.

College of Nursing (CON)

LOPEZ, MARK GREGOR V., LOPEZ, DEXTER PAOLO V., LOPEZ, DON RAFAEL V., Pathogenic Microorganisms Found on Mobile Phones of the Nursing Students of Cavite State University and their Effective Disinfectants. Undergraduate Thesis. Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite. April 2015. Adviser: Nenita B. Panaligan, RN, MAN

This study was inspired by the increasing or rising rate of infection throughout the world. The idea of emerging technology and the need to own a specific gadget contributed to the availability of cellphones. Many people become unaware of the dangers or risks they take when such gadgets are not disinfected.

This study used an experimental research design to increase the awareness of individuals of what microorganisms may thrive on their cell phones, and the importance of disinfection. This study was conducted in the College of Nursing in Cavite State University Indang, Cavite from April 2014 to February 2015, to identify the pathogenic microorganisms found on mobile phones of the nursing students. Specifically, it aimed to: determine the demographic profile of the participants in terms of age, gender, and year level; identify the types of mobile phones of the participants; determine the extent of use of mobile phones in regards to frequency, duration of use, and the purpose of usage of mobile phones; identify the most common types of bacteria found on mobile phones of the Nursing Students in Cavite State University; determine the level of contamination of mobile phones of the Nursing Students and distinguish the most effective selected disinfectants to be used for the annihilation of the bacterial pathogens found on the nursing student’s mobile phones.

The nursing students from BSN levels II, II], and IV were given questionnaire to determine the period of use of their mobile phones. The study focused on mobile phones of the nursing students in Cavite State University, Indang Cavite, which they usually carry during hospital duties and in school related activities and even at home. Sixty (60) respondents’ have signed a consent form permitting the swabbing of their cell phones for culturing. The questionnaire was developed to establish usage of mobile phones by the students, which includes the frequency of use and to secure information about their profile and about the phones specifications. The demographic profile shows basic information pertaining to the nursing students of Cavite State University Main Campus.

The medical technician students collected pathogenic microorganisms by swiping the nursing students’ cellphones using cotton swab moistened with sterile water. With the help of Medical Technologists, identification of 10 types of bacteria from the swabbed mobile phones was conducted. The types of bacteria and result of culture were the following: Staphylococcusv (19/60 or 32%), Micrococcus (12/60 or 20%), Streptococcus (12/60 or 20%), Klebsiella (5/60 or 8%), Corynebacterium (3/60 or 5%) Neisseria (2/60 or 3%), Bacillus (2/60 or 3%), Citrobacter (2/60 or 3%), Serratia (2/60 or 3%), and E. Coli (2/60 or 3%).

Three chosen disinfectants such as clorox, lysol and alcohol were tested on the identified microorganisms and the results show that lysol was the most effective, following clorox and then alcohol.

After the study and the result of the experiment, the researchers would like to recommend the swabbing and culturing on other gadgets such as laptops, personal computers, mp3 players and game consoles of the nursing students. Future Studies may determine other microorganisms such as fungi, amoebas, and viruses. Students from other colleges should also be considered as participants in the future researches. In addition, other kinds of disinfectants should be utilized on the identified pathogenic microorganisms. The researchers would also like to persuade the users to disinfect their mobile phones with safe disinfectant and also to perform proper hygiene especially hand washing before and after handling their mobile phones. Lastly, users of mobile phones should utilize Lysol to disinfect their mobile phones, which is the most safe and effective disinfectant for the identified bacteria in the study.

Submitted to the University Library T-61448