Prevalence and severity of nomophobia among nursing students: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Nomophobia is on the rise, particularly among younger age. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of nomophobia among nursing students.

A systematic search of electronic databases, including Medline -PubMed, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Google Scholar was conducted until January 2024. Studies related to the prevalence and severity of nomophobia among nursing students were considered, with an emphasis on those which utilised the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q). Two reviewers worked separately on research selection, data extraction, and risk of bias evaluation. Heterogeneity was identified using a sensitivity analysis depending on the risk of bias and nation subgroups.

We Incorporated 27 studies with 11,219 individuals, out of which 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis, we found various degrees of nomophobia severity. Mild nomophobia was prevalent at 28% (95% CI, 22%-37%; I² = 97%), moderate nomophobia at 49% (95% CI, 40%-58%; I² = 97%), and severe nomophobia at 15% (95% CI, 10%-23%; I² = 98%). Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Tunisia, Egypt, and the Philippines exhibited the highest prevalence of severe nomophobia, while India reported the lowest rates.

Nursing students demonstrated a high prevalence of mild and moderate nomophobia. Interventions in nursing institutions are essential for both prevention and management of such an issue.