Prevalence of nomophobia in UPTC medical students 2023

Abstract

Backup: in recent years, the massive and inappropriate use of mobile phones has caused a considerable increase in the number of mental problems related to technology. Objective: assess the prevalence of nomophobia through the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) (2015), in medical students at the clinical area of the Universidad Pedagògica y Tecnològica de Colombia. Methodology: observational, descriptive cross-sectional study. Population were subjects between 18 and 26 years of age  studying medicine at the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia; sample: non-probabilistic, sequential by convenience. The Spanish-adapted version of the Nomophobia Scale (NMP-Q) was used, composed of 20 items. Results: significantly higher prevalence of nomophobia with levels of mild 20.0%; Moderate nomophobia 70.0% and severe nomophobia 10.0%. A higher prevalence of severe nomophobia is found in females. Conclusions: These findings reveal a problem that affects all the  student’s sample (100%) of this study, made up of young adults. Contrasting these results with previous research highlights a significantly higher prevalence of nomophobia compared to studies that report that 70.76% of the general adult population is affected by this phobia. It is pertinent to note that this could have a substantial impact on various cognitive functions, study habits and even the mental health of students. Conclusion: It is suggested to continue with additional research related to this topic, expanding the sample of students, and seeking the implementation of strategies designed to effectively address this phobia characteristic of the modern era.