The hidden costs of nomophobia: associations with sleep, diet, anxiety, alcohol consumption, and lifestyle patterns among nursing students

Abstract

Background: The fear of disconnection through mobile phones, termed nomophobia, has risen significantly among university students. This study examines the impact of nomophobia on the mental and physical health of nursing students, analyzing its association with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychological factors in Castilla–La Mancha. The study aims to evaluate the frequency of nomophobia and its relationships with anxiety, sleep quality, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet, and quality of life in this population. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among 353 nursing students recruited via convenience sampling. Participants completed validated instruments, including the Nomophobia Questionnaire, Diet Adherence Screener, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire. Results: Participants (78.6% female; mean age 19.94 years) had a mean nomophobia score of 69.27 (± 26.13), with females scoring higher than males. Regression analyses identified significant associations: adherence to the Mediterranean diet was protective (p = 0.01), whereas food addiction (p = 0.02), poor sleep quality (p = 0.019), and anxiety (p < 0.001) increased nomophobia risk. Alcohol consumption correlated with higher nomophobia levels in men (p = 0.009), while women exhibited greater anxiety and poorer sleep quality (p = 0.034, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Nomophobia is prevalent among nursing students, influencing their mental and physical health. Preventive strategies within nursing education should prioritize reducing nomophobia and promoting healthy habits to enhance well-being and professional readiness. These findings provide critical insights into addressing mobile phone dependency in this population. Clinical trial: Not applicable.