Prevalence of nomophobia and its association with stress, anxiety and depression among students

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: The change in human behaviour has created a social phobia wherein a human use either computers or any other electronic gadgets to defend himself from social contact. Nomophobia is fear of not having mobile phones and the stress associated with it. Increased use of mobile phones among students has changed the scenario and it is no more a luxury but a necessity. Social interaction has decreased and electronic gadgets have become the master. This has led to development of neuropsychological issues. The purpose of the study is to find out the prevalence of nomophobia among college students and to explore the association between nomophobia and stress, anxiety and depression. Materials and Methods: Randomly selected 167 medical and dental students were given questionnaires to assess the prevalence of nomophobia. Separate questionnaires were given to assess stress, anxiety and depression. Results: Results showed a wide prevalence of nomophobia (59%) among students. 14%, 29%, 8% of students were seen having severe/ extreme depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Conclusion: Nomophobia was significantly associated with stress and depression (P ˂0.05). Students have to be periodically screened to identify stress, anxiety and depression and counselled about the constructive usage of mobile phones.