Title : Prevalence of nomophobia among university students in oman
Abstract:
Background: Nomophobia – from “no mobile phone” and “phobia” – is a pathological fear of being out of contact with a mobile phone, having no mobile network, or having insufficient balance or battery. People who are excessively out of control in their smartphone use may suffer from “technostress”, “ringxiety”, phantom vibration syndrome, nomophobia, and other issues. Smartphone use among university students is influencing their academic life and achievement.
Purpose of the study: To determine the prevalence of nomophobia, demographic factors affecting nomophobic behaviors, and the relationship between nomophobia and academic performance among university students in Oman.
Methods: A descriptive correlational study design was chosen to describe the prevalence of nomophobia among Sultan Qaboos University students. A convenience sampling technique was used to select 735 students based on defined inclusion criteria. Nomophobia was identified using a self-report instrument, the Nomophobia Questionnaire, which includes 20 Likert scale items rated from 1 (“strongly disagree”) to 7 (“strongly agree”). Descriptive analysis and a Pearson correlation statistical test were used to determine the possible relationship between nomophobia and academic performance.
Results: The prevalence of nomophobia among students was 99.33%, most with a moderate level of nomophobia. Students with severe nomophobia reported weak academic performance (p=0.706), but this was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of nomophobia and a weak relationship with academic performance. More studies should be conducted in this area to inform policy on cellphones within academic premises, to avoid serious ill effects of chronic use.
