Factors Associated with Nomophobia among First-Year Students at Navamindradhiraj University
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Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the factors associated with nomophobia, the fear or anxiety of being without a mobile phone, including prevalence, sociodemographic, behavioral, psychosocial factors among first-year students at Navamindradhiraj University.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 605 first-year undergraduate students from 13 academic programs at Navamindradhiraj University between January and May 2025. Data were collected via a structured online questionnaire, which included items on demographics, mobile phone usage behaviors, family relationship quality, and the Nomophobia Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to assess prevalence. Chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression were employed to examine associations and to identify significant factor of moderate to severe nomophobia.
Results: The majority of participants experienced moderate (56.20%) or severe (21.70%) levels of nomophobia. The severity of nomophobia was significantly associated with daily phone usage (p = 0.021) and frequency of phone checking (p = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis further indicated that students who spent more time using their phones (p < 0.001), frequent phone checking (p < 0.001), and lower family relationship scores (p = 0.005) were significant factors associated with of moderate-to-severe nomophobia. Demographic variables such as gender, income, and gaming were not significant.
Conclusion: Nomophobia is alarmingly prevalent among first-year university students, with behavioral and psychosocial factors, especially patterns of phone use and perceived family support, playing a more critical role than demographic characteristics. Targeted interventions that promote digital well-being, strengthen emotional resilience, and enhance family support are essential to reduce its psychological impact and encourage healthier digital habits.
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