Prevalence of nomophobia among the undergraduate medical students of Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya

Authors

  • Harish B. R. Department of Community Medicine, Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka
  • Bharath J. Department of Community Medicine, Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20184833

Keywords:

Nomophobia, Smartphones, Dependence, Mobiles

Abstract

Background: Nomophobia (no mobile phobia), is the fear an individual gets if he is out of mobile phone contact due to no network, has run out of balance or run out of battery; the persons gets anxious, which adversely affects the concentration level of the person. Since the younger generation is the latest consumer of the mobile phones and the under 25 year age group in professional colleges like medical colleges use mobile phones quite frequently this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of nomophobia in the undergraduate students of Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences during May 2018 to June 2018. All undergraduate students were included i.e. same as study population (n=450). Data collection was done during June 2018 using structured questionnaire.

Results: Mean age of the study participants was 20.1±1.3 years. Majority of the study population were hostelites. Approximate amount of money spent on last recharge/last postpaid bill was INR 354.1±185.0. Main reasons for using smartphones were ‘to call family members’, ‘using internet for academics’ and ‘for social networking’. Prevalence of moderate to severe nomophobia among the study population was 99.0%. No statistical significant difference was observed between gender and nomophobia.

Conclusions: Prevalence of nomophobia among undergraduate medical student was 99.0% and majority had moderate level of nomophobia. There was no association between nomophobia and gender, place of present residence, amount of money spent on last recharge. 

Author Biographies

Harish B. R., Department of Community Medicine, Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka

Prof and Head
Department of Community Medicine

Bharath J., Department of Community Medicine, Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, Karnataka

Post graduate Student

Department of Community Medicine

 

References

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Published

2018-11-24

How to Cite

B. R., H., & J., B. (2018). Prevalence of nomophobia among the undergraduate medical students of Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 5(12), 5455–5459. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20184833

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Section

Original Research Articles