Rising Concern of Nomophobia Among Students in Himachal Pradesh
Understanding Nomophobia: A Growing Mental Health Issue
Experts highlight the urgent need for intervention regarding smartphone addiction
Shimla: Nomophobia, the anxiety of being without a mobile phone, is becoming a significant mental health issue among the youth in Himachal Pradesh. A recent investigation by Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla has uncovered that many students experience moderate to severe anxiety related to smartphone usage, emphasizing the detrimental effects of digital dependency on their health and everyday lives.
The research, led by Dr. Amit Sachdeva, an Assistant Professor in the Community Medicine Department at IGMC, was published in the Journal of Pioneer Medical Sciences. The study examined smartphone usage patterns, behaviors, and health implications among students, revealing concerning trends associated with excessive screen time.
High Incidence of Nomophobia Among Students
The study surveyed over 400 MBBS students through online questionnaires. Results indicated that 70.7% of participants exhibited moderate nomophobia, while 19% were severely impacted. The majority of respondents were aged between 20 and 22, with female students making up 52.2% of the sample and 58.1% hailing from urban areas.
Almost all participants owned smartphones, with over 75% using Android devices. On average, students had been using smartphones for nearly six years, indicating early exposure to technology.
Impact of Screen Time on Health
The findings revealed that over 70% of students spent more than four hours daily on screens, and nearly 90% had constant internet access. Smartphones were primarily used for social media, followed by entertainment, academic tasks, and communication.
Alarmingly, mobile phone usage permeated nearly every aspect of daily life. A significant number of students admitted to using their phones before bed and immediately upon waking. Many reported using their devices in classrooms, restrooms, and even waking up at night to check notifications.
This behavior was closely associated with various health issues. Common complaints included delayed sleep, disrupted rest, headaches, eye strain, and daytime fatigue, highlighting a clear link between excessive phone use and deteriorating health.
Defining Nomophobia
Nomophobia is characterized by an intense fear or anxiety when individuals cannot access their mobile phones due to reasons such as low battery, lack of signal, or device loss or damage.
This condition can result in feelings of restlessness, panic, poor focus, and physical symptoms like headaches and breathing difficulties. Experts categorize it as a contemporary form of smartphone addiction that requires immediate awareness and intervention.
Healthcare professionals involved in the study emphasize the importance of cultivating balanced digital habits among students to avert long-term mental and physical health challenges.