The Prevalence of Nomophobia among Students and Its Association with Social Media Engagement and Demographic Factors

Nyuke, Raymond; Mandava, Rememberance Benjamin; Dera, Ephraim; Msipa, Geoffrey Takudzwa

doi:10.22034/jmp.2026.574500.1168

The Prevalence of Nomophobia among Students and Its Association with Social Media Engagement and Demographic Factors

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Raymond Nyuke

Rememberance Benjamin Mandava

Ephraim Dera

Geoffrey Takudzwa Msipa

Department of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe

10.22034/jmp.2026.574500.1168

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present research was to investigate the prevalence of nomophobia among students and examine its relationship with social media engagement and demographic factors.
Methods: The methodology of the present study was descriptive and correlational in nature. The study’s population included all students at Midlands State University in the academic year (2024-2025). Out of this population, 176 students were selected using a convenience sampling method. The Digital Social Network Engagement Questionnaire and the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) were then administered to them. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square tests. The significance level was set at p ˂ 0.05. All analyses were performed using SPSS27 software.
Results: The overall prevalence of nomophobia was 98.9%. 51% of participants reported symptoms of severe nomophobia, 29% moderate symptoms, 19% mild symptoms and 1% no symptoms. There was no significant relationship between nomophobia and age or gender. However, a significant relationship was found between nomophobia and students’ academic year (p = .007). In addition, there was a significant relationship between nomophobia and social media engagement (p < .001).
Conclusion: Nomophobia is a prevalent concern among Zimbabwean university students and is strongly linked to higher levels of social media engagement and academic year. The study highlights the need for interventions to promote healthier digital habits and adaptive coping strategies among students.

Keywords

Academic Year

Demographics

Nomophobia

Social Media Engagement

University Students

Zimbabwe

Subjects

Abnormal Psychology

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