Nomophobic behaviours among students in a selected college of higher education in Anekal taluk, Bengaluru Urban district—a mixed-methods study

Introduction Nomophobia, the fear of being without a mobile phone or unable to use it due to no signal or low battery, is increasingly common among college students due to growing smartphone reliance. This study evaluates the prevalence, associated factors, and students' perceptions of nomophobic behaviours and smartphone use among students in a professional education college in Anekal Taluk, Bengaluru, using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 436 students using a validated questionnaire capturing socio demographic details, smartphone usage, and the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q). Focus group discussions (FGDs) with students and key informant interviews (KIIs) with professors and psychiatrists explored attitudes and experiences. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS v21.0 with chi-square tests and logistic regression, while qualitative data underwent inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants had a mean age of 19.09 ± 1.27 years, with 57.6% male. Nomophobia prevalence was 19% mild, 61% moderate, and 19% severe. Significant associations were observed with phone ownership (p=0.012) and reduced concentration due to overuse (p < 0.001). Qualitative findings highlighted themes of health impacts, academic influence, recreational dynamics, and daily life integration. Discussion Moderate nomophobia was highly prevalent, despite students’ awareness of excessive phone use risks. Associations with smartphone ownership and usage patterns underscore the need for health education and institutional policies to address adverse effects on students’ well-being. Conclusion Moderate nomophobia predominates among students in Bengaluru. Interventions promoting awareness and encouraging social and physical activities are recommended to mitigate nomophobic behaviors.