Nomophobia and Its Impact on Mental Health Among School Students ‎During The COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study

  • Authors

    • Lagnajit Dash Department of Psychiatry, IMS and SUM hospital (SOA deemed to be a University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
    • Kirti Anurag Department of Psychiatry, IMS and SUM hospital (SOA deemed to be a University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
    • Snehanshu Dey Department of Psychiatry, IMS and SUM hospital (SOA deemed to be a University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
    • Ashima Mishra Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
    • Jamuna Das Department of Psychiatry, IMS and SUM hospital (SOA deemed to be a University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1280-3488
    https://doi.org/10.14419/jr3g9g21

    Received date: June 28, 2025

    Accepted date: July 30, 2025

    Published date: August 8, 2025

  • COVID-19; Depression; Anxiety; Stress

  • Abstract

    Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in extended lockdowns and home confinement, drastically ‎altering daily routines and increasing reliance on digital devices. Smartphones became essential tools ‎for education, communication, and entertainment, but their excessive use has raised mental health ‎concerns, especially among adolescents. This study investigates the relationship between ‎nomophobia (the fear of being without a mobile phone) and mental health outcomes in school ‎students during the lockdown.‎

    Aim: To examine the impact of mobile phone usage on mental health, specifically levels of depression, ‎anxiety, and stress, among school students during the COVID-19 lockdown.‎

    Methodology: A correlational research design was employed to explore the association between nomophobia and ‎mental health indicators. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of ‎nomophobia. A paired t-test assessed differences in smartphone usage pre- and post-lockdown. ‎Standardized tools were used to measure levels of smartphone addiction, depression, anxiety, and ‎stress among participants.‎

    Results: The study found a 53% prevalence of nomophobia among school students, with female students ‎showing higher levels than males. There was a significant increase in the average time spent online, ‎exceeding two hours per day post-lockdown. Higher smartphone addiction scores correlated ‎significantly with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.‎

    Conclusion: The findings suggest a strong link between increased smartphone dependency and deteriorating ‎mental health among school students during the COVID-19 lockdown. This underscores the need ‎for targeted interventions to address digital overuse and promote mental well-being among ‎adolescents.‎

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  • How to Cite

    Dash, L. . ., Anurag, K., Dey, S., Mishra, A. . ., & Das, J. . (2025). Nomophobia and Its Impact on Mental Health Among School Students ‎During The COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(4), 204-210. https://doi.org/10.14419/jr3g9g21