How Are FOMO and Nomophobia Linked to Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among University Students?

• DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.104
• Publication Date: 2024-08-01T10:05:53Z
• Authors: Hamid Alhaj; Abdelraouf Muthana; Asia Abdalla; Menna Marouf; Nisreen Awad
• Keywords: Depression; DASS

Aims Nomophobia, defined as the fear of being without one's mobile phone, and FOMO (Fear Missing Out) are on rise thought to be linked increased mental health problems. In information era, separated from smartphones may cause anxiety, while expectation continuous updates social media increase feelings inadequacy distress when comparing life with selected highlights others. The extent nomophobia in Middle East whether these experiences associated psychiatric disorders yet ascertained. purpose this study was determine prevalence among university students UAE relationship between phenomena depression, anxiety stress levels. Methods 232 female 103 male undergraduate four Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman) took part study. An online questionnaire developed piloted. Nomophobia were measured using validated questionnaires, namely NMP-Q FoMOs. Symptoms assessed DASS-21 scale. Data analysed SPSS 22. Significance level set at p < 0.05. Results data revealed that 28.6% respondents exhibited severe, 47.7% moderate, 23.7% mild symptoms. 52.5% participants reported moderate extreme others have more rewarding than them, median FoMO score (25.62). Higher nomophobia, stress, depression levels correlated elevated scores (p 0.001). Variations noted across university, gender, college. Strong associations existed severe heightened findings underscored contextual influences intensity diverse individuals. Conclusion identified a high students. Significant correlations observed digital-related fears issues like stress. Our results delineate necessity for exploring implementing interventions address smartphone-related phobias safeguard well-being students, considering their unique cultural context.