Nomophobia and Health Hazards: Smartphone Use and Addiction Among University Students

Abstract

Background: Nomophobia, a state of socio‑psychological illness, refers to a fear of lack of access
to mobile phone, which is thought to be a modern age disorder that causes negative health risks
and harmful psychological effects. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the
smartphone use and nomophobia disorder among university students.

Methods: The study utilized
a cross‑sectional method in which 320 students were selected via cluster sampling. Data collection
tools included a nomophobia and smartphones use questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS
22 software in two sections: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

Results: The incidence
rate of nomophobia among the students was moderate (3.1), and 73% of the students were moderate
smartphone users. Nomophobia had a significant relationship with gender, age group, and level of
education; and the frequency of using smartphones had a significant relationship with age group
and level of education. There was a positive correlation coefficient between nomophobia and the
frequency of using smartphones. The mobile phone use predicted nomophobia with a beta coefficient
of 0.402 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Given the incidence rate of nomophobia disorder was moderate,
it is necessary to make preventive decisions and plan educational programs in this regard for the
health of university students. Alternative actions are recommended for the treatment in low rate of
nomophobia, but drug therapy should be used in more advanced stages; therefore, it is suggested that
more attention to be paid to students’ free time and entertainments.

Keywords: Addiction, Iran, nomophobia, smartphone, students