Technophobia and Its Associated Factors Among Registered Nurses in China: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study

Abstract

Aim: To examine the level of technophobia and identify its associated sociodemographic, occupational, and psychosocial factors among registered nurses in China. Background: The rapid digital transformation of healthcare systems demands that nurses effectively adopt and use digital technologies. Technophobia—defined as negative emotional reactions toward technology—may impede nurses’ adaptation to technological innovations. However, no study is currently available on technophobia and its associated factors in registered nurses. Design: A multicenter, cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 1559 registered nurses from two university-affiliated tertiary hospitals in Northeast China were surveyed between September and October 2025. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic factors, occupational factors, the validated Chinese version of the Technophobia Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Athens Insomnia Scale. A generalized linear model was fitted to identify independent predictors of technophobia. Results: The nurses’ median technophobia score was 26.00 (P25–P75: 13.00–39.00), indicating a low-to-moderate level overall. The generalized linear model revealed that male gender (β = 0.201), having one child (β = 0.130), living alone (β = 0.091), having a higher perceived workload (β = 0.048), and poorer sleep quality (β = 0.015) were independently associated with greater technophobia. Conversely, higher job satisfaction (β = −0.081) and stronger social support (β = −0.003) were independently associated with lower technophobia; however, the effect size for social support was relatively small, all p < 0.05. Conclusions: Technophobia among registered nurses in China is at a moderately low level. Interventions targeting modifiable factors—such as workload management, sleep health, job satisfaction, and social support—through structured digital literacy training, peer support mechanisms, and other supportive workplace strategies may help mitigate technophobia and enhance nurses’ readiness for digital transformation. Patient or Public Contribution: Nurses voluntarily participated in the survey. The findings may indirectly benefit patients through improved nurse engagement with digital health systems and safer, more efficient care delivery.