ABSTRACT
Purpose: To determine the impact of nomophobia on insomnia and physical activity (PA) levels among physiotherapy undergraduate students. Relevance: We are living through a period where technology is the only connection to normalcy. Reports indicate increased screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic, also due to significant disruption in routine, nocturnal media use has been increased leading to insomnia. As the total screen time increases, users have decreased physical activity, which can lead to sedentarism. Participants: All undergraduate physiotherapy students of Ramaiah Medical College (Department of Physiotherapy), Bengaluru, India were invited to participate in an online survey. 95 participants who gave the consent were enrolled. Methods: Nomophobia- questionnaire (NMP-Q), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were distributed to the participants as Google forms via WhatsApp. The participant was asked to give the best response of his experience. Data collected was subjected to analysis. Analysis: Responses obtained via Google-forms were screened. The data was categorized and analyzed using Google spread- sheet and descriptive statistics using percentage and frequency distribution was performed. Results: 72(75.78%) students were categorized with moderate-severe nomophobia. 25(26.31%) students had moderate-severe nomophobia suffered from clinical insomnia. However, they demonstrated moderate-high PA level. 21(22.10%) students had mild nomophobia with subthreshold insomnia and low PA level. The results demonstrate significant impact of nomophobia on insomnia, however not on PA level among physiotherapy undergraduate students. Conclusion: The burden of nomophobia and impaired control that compromises the health and wellness were prevalent in physiotherapy undergraduate students. Measures need to be taken to address clinical insomnia in view of the current era of growing information technology. Implications: This study will pave a path for the need of exercises to improve the sleep quality and duration of students who have nomophobia.