Relationship between Physical Activity and Nomophobia in University Students: A Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity and nomophobia in university students. A total of 300 university student volunteers aged 17–25 years were included. Measurements were applied online via Google Forms. The nomophobia scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form were used. The number of vigorous physical activity days in the last week, daily vigorous physical activity levels, and metabolic equivalent of task values spent for vigorous activity were higher in male than in female participants (p < .01). No significant difference was found between the par- ticipants’ moderate-intensity physical activity, walking, and sitting times (p > .05). A negative correlation was found between the physical activity of the female participants and their nomophobia levels (r = −.217, p = .001). The university students had insufficient physical activity and high levels of nomophobia. A nega- tive correlation was found between physical activity and nomophobia levels. Approaches to increase physi- cal activity may reduce anxiety and depression levels caused by nomophobia in young individuals with high nomophobia levels.