Published Paper Details:

Nomophobia, or "no mobile phone phobia," is a psychological condition characterized by fear or anxiety when individuals are without access to a mobile phone. With smartphones becoming integral to daily life, especially among youth, nomophobia has emerged as a significant public health concern. Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of nomophobia and its association with selected sociodemographic variables among undergraduate students in Thrissur District, Kerala. Materials and Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected from 160 undergraduate students using a structured online questionnaire distributed via social media. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Of the 160 participants, 156 (97.5%) exhibited some level of nomophobia, while only 4 (2.5%) showed no signs. Among those affected, 62 (38.75%) had mild nomophobia, 67 (41.88%) had moderate, and 27 (16.88%) had severe nomophobia. Significant associations were observed between nomophobia and monthly family income, family type, smartphone price, daily usage duration, data consumption, and purpose of smartphone use. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high prevalence of nomophobia among undergraduate students and emphasizes the need for awareness initiatives and behavioral interventions to reduce smartphone dependency, promote mindful usage, and enhance mental health and digital well-being among young adults.