Nomophobia among Medical Students in Karachi: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Prevalence, Sleep Quality, Anxiety, and Academic Performance: Medical Students and Smartphone Addiction

Erum Tanveer; Vinod  Kumar; Syeda  Amna; Hamza  Ahmed

Authors

Erum Tanveer United College of Physical therapy, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5362-4990
Vinod Kumar United College of Physical therapy, Karachi, Pakistan
Syeda Amna United College of Physical therapy, Karachi, Pakistan
Hamza Ahmed United College of Physical therapy, Karachi, Pakistan

Keywords:

Academic Performance, Medical Students, Nomophobia, Smartphone Addiction

Abstract

Background: Nomophobia (no mobile phone fear) reflects an emerging psychological syndrome defined by anxiety when removed from mobile devices. Medical students, as major technology users, may be particularly sensitive to this syndrome. To investigate nomophobia prevalence amongst undergraduate medical students in Karachi and examine its connections with the quality of sleep, anxiety levels, and academic achievement.

Methods: Between August and September of 2023, 270 undergraduate medical students from three teaching hospitals in Karachi participated in this cross-sectional study. Data collection utilized validated instruments: the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Statistical analysis applied descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results: Nomophobia prevalence reached 99.6% (n=268), with 56.7% suffering moderate and 34.4% severe symptoms (mean NMP-Q score: 89.42±22.965). Nomophobia and anxiety (r=1.0, p<0.001) and sleeplessness (r=1.0, p=0.012) showed significant positive relationships. No significant association was found with academic performance (p=0.142). Female participants demonstrated higher anxiety levels than males

Conclusion: The exceptionally high nomophobia prevalence among medical students, coupled with strong associations with sleep disturbances and anxiety, necessitates urgent intervention strategies. Educational institutions should implement digital wellness programs and establish guidelines forhealthy smartphone usage.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/03.03/004

Author Biographies

Erum Tanveer, United College of Physical therapy, Karachi, Pakistan

Principal, Department of Physical Therapy

Vinod Kumar, United College of Physical therapy, Karachi, Pakistan

Vice Principal, Department of Physical Therapy

Syeda Amna , United College of Physical therapy, Karachi, Pakistan

House Officer, Department of Physical Therapy

Hamza Ahmed, United College of Physical therapy, Karachi, Pakistan

Senior Lecturer, Department of Physical Therapy

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