The Rise of Nomophobia-Mobile Phone Dependency Among College Students

Background: In recent times the world is well known and aware about the drug dependency than non-drug dependency like Nomophobia. “No Mobile Phobia” is the expansion of Nomophobia which is evoked by unavailability of smart phone or the thought of possibility of not having it. Since college students are more prone to nomophobia and causes cognitive, emotional, and academic impairments among students. Globally there is growing concern regarding smart phone dependency.  Aim: The main focus of the study is to measure mild, moderate and severe levels of Nomophobia among college students.  Method: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted to find out the levels of Nomophobia among college students. A convenient sampling method was used for the study. The NMP-Q (Nomophobia Questionnaire) was administered among college students through google form. It comprises of 20 items. 161 responses were received from students aged 18 to 24 years.  Results: Out of 161 respondents 115 (71%) were females and 46 (29%) were males. This study found that 13% were mild level of Nomophobia, 62.1% were moderate level and 24.8% were severe level. This study identified that males have higher prevalence rate of Nomophobia than females.  Conclusion: This study concluded that there is a prevalence of Nomophobia among college students. Overuse of smartphones increasesthe risk of nomophobia. To prevent and treat this problem interventions are needed.