Cell Phone Use and Anxiety in College Students: A Correlation and Comparison Study Between Usage Groups

Mental health care has become a priority in the 21st century, driving the study of disorders that affect daily life. Nomophobia, defined as excessive dependence on the cell phone, is considered a current problem and is associated with anxiety symptoms, such as fear and distress at not being able to access the device. Anxiety, recognized as the most common mental disorder, significantly affects cognitive and emotional well-being. Several studies have pointed to a positive correlation between nomophobia and anxiety, especially in university students, although some research has not found a direct relationship. Sociodemographic factors such as age and residence in urban areas influence the prevalence of nomophobia and anxiety, with young people being the most affected. However, there are discrepancies regarding the impact of gender and socioeconomic level. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic factors and anxious symptomatology associated with nomophobia in higher education students in Ecuador. A quantitative, non-experimental and correlational study was conducted with 1484 higher education students in Ambato, Ecuador, aged between 18 and 25 years. An online questionnaire composed of a socio-demographic survey, the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) and the Anxiety subscale of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was administered. The psychometric properties of both instruments were evaluated, obtaining adequate fit and reliability indices (CFI > 0.93, α > 0.91). The analysis was performed with JASP, using Machine Learning algorithms and statistical tests such as Spearman correlation, Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons to identify patterns of anxiety in different sociodemographic groups. The analyses indicated that younger students (18-21 years old), those in high-demanding careers (Health, Agri-Food and Social Sciences), with intensive workdays and of female gender presented higher levels of anxiety. In addition, a positive correlation was found between nomophobia and anxiety, highlighting the impact of technological dependence on mental health. These findings highlight the need for preventive and support strategies adapted to the characteristics of each vulnerable group.