Prevalence of Nomophobia and Its Impact on Academic Performance Among Respiratory Therapy Students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Nomophobia has been highly prevalent among health discipline students. However, there is no available data on the prevalence of nomophobia among respiratory therapy (RT) students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using the nomophobia questionnaire (NMP-Q) was conducted and distributed using a convenience sample of RT students through an online platform (Survey Monkey) between September and November 2022. Results: Overall, 1428 RT students, with males accounting for 773 (54%), responded to the online survey. The prevalence of nomophobia among RT students was 97.3% (1390). The mean (±SD) of the total NMP-Q items scores was 62 (±22), indicating a moderate level of nomophobia among the RT students. Female RT students had significantly higher nomophobia scores than male RT students (63 (47–80) vs 59 (43–75); p <0.001)). Single RT students had significantly higher nomophobia scores than married RT students (62 (46–78) vs 46 (37–64); p <0.001)). RT students who were living outside the family home had significantly higher nomophobia scores than RT students who were living with their family (66 (54–78) vs 60 (44–77); p = 0.001)). RT students with a GPA of 4.50 to 5.00 had the highest nomophobia score (63 (46–79); p = 0.005)). RT students who were in their third year had the highest nomophobia score (66 (48–80); p <0.001)). RT students who reported no academic warnings had the highest nomophobia score (63 (48–80); p <0.001)). RT students who spent ≥ five hours studying per week had the highest nomophobia score (64 (51–80); p <0.001)). Conclusion: Nomophobia is common among RT students, with the majority experiencing a moderate level. Being female, single, living outside the family home, and having a higher academic performance were risk factors associated with higher nomophobia levels.