Evaluation of Nomophobia and Smartphone Addiction Levels among University Students in terms of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Risk

INTRODUCTION: This study examines the relationship between nomophobia and smartphone addiction, which have not become increasingly prevalent, and other addictions, especially drug abuse.
METHODS: This study included Hacettepe University students aged 18 years and above between June 2020 and August 2020. The questionnaire used in this study consisted of questions about socio-demographical characteristics in the first part and the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), Alcohol Risk Screening Scale (ARSS) and Drug Use Risk Screening Scale (DRSS) in the second part.
RESULTS: The study included 386 university students and 195 (50.5%) were men. The median of NMP-Q, SAS, ARSS, and DRSS were 78.0 (20.0 140.0), 35.0 (10.0-60.0), 6.0 (0.0-12.0), 0.0 (0.0-2.0), respectively. No significant difference in the nomophobia score was found between the alcohol and drug addiction risk scale scores (p=0.545 and p=0.186, respectively). Also, no significant difference in the smartphone addiction score was found between the alcohol and drug addiction risk scale scores (p=0.520 and p=0.945, respectively). There was a weak negative relationship between nomophobia scores and age (p=0.046).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Given the increased tendency to follow technological developments among university students, their incapability to stay away from smartphones and similar devices due to smartphone addiction is an indicator of the student’s addiction. This may predispose them to other accompanying addictions such as alcoholism and drug abuse. However, many different factors may cause this. All health institutions should take necessary protective measures to minimize and eliminate such addictions.