ArticlePLOS digital health2025
Nomophobia and Psychological distress among the Saudi Population.
Article in PLOS digital health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed.
- Always Connected, Not Always Well: The Moderating Role of Sleep Quality in the Relationship Between Nomophobia and Mental Health Among University Students in Saudi Arabia.European journal of investigation in health, psychology and education · 2026Article
- Network Structure of Nomophobia, Fear of Missing Out, Mindful Attention, and Happiness Among University Students.Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Understanding the Relationship Between Nomophobia and Psychological Distress Among University Students: The Sequential Mediating Roles of Social Anxiety and Loneliness.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Interpersonal cognitive distortions as mediators of the relationship between psychological distress and nomophobia in adolescents: a cross-sectional mediation analysis.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Article
- The association between sociodemographic determinants and nomophobia among physiotherapists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.Scientific reports · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
10 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
introductionSmartphones have become a defining feature of the 21st century, fundamentally transforming the way we live and interact. However, the pervasive use and growing dependence on these devices have led to increasing concerns about their impact on mental health. The rise of smartphone addiction, often manifesting as anxiety, irritability, and a feeling of melancholy, has contributed to the rapid increase in nomophobia, a term describing the fear of being without a mobile device. This phenomenon is increasingly linked to psychological distress as our reliance on smartphones continues to deepen.
aimThis study seeks to determine the prevalence of nomophobia and psychological distress symptoms and their relationship among the adult population of Saudi Arabia.
methodA cross-sectional survey was done among the adult population of Saudi Arabia, including Saudis and non-Saudis. An online validated survey was distributed via social media channels. SAS 9.4. was used for data analysis. Frequencies and percentages were used to display the prevalence, and the chi-square test was used for associations. A p-value <0.05 was used to determine significance.
resultA total of 704 Saudi and non-Saudi adults completed the questionnaire. The mean nomophobia score among all participants indicated a moderate level at 73.71, while the mean psychological distress score reflected a mild disorder at 22.08. Saudis reported a statistically higher significant mean nomophobia score than non-Saudis (p-value <0.0001). Participants residing in the Eastern region were significantly more prone to nomophobia (p-value 0.0003), and to psychological distress (p-value 0.004).
conclusionThe study reveals that men and Saudi nationals are particularly affected by nomophobia, likely due to their higher reliance on smartphones. Saudi nationality, educational attainment, and residing in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia are considered predictors for nomophobia and psychological distress.
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