Factor structure and validity of the nomophobia questionnaire (NMP-Q) among Indian college students: A multicenter evaluation

BACKGROUND: Nomophobia is a psychological condition characterized by an individual's fear of being disconnected from smartphone connectivity. Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) is the most used self-reported measure to assess nomophobia across the globe. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the factor structure, reliability, and validity of NMP-Q among Indian undergraduate college students. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, our study employed an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), where data was collected from three centres across India. EFA was carried out to obtain factor structure and check the internal consistency among items. CFA was carried out to test the factor structure of NMP-Q. Convergent and discriminant validity were tested using bivariate correlation analysis. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis showed that the questionnaire has good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient= 0.952) with a three-factor pattern matrix. CFA explained three-factor structure which deemed to be the most tenable comprising of 20 items. NMP-Q fits good on almost all indices (CMIN/df= 3.01, CFI= 0.94, RMSEA=0.07, TLI=0.93, IFI=0.93) for the three-factor structure. Moderate to excellent associations were noted for the convergent (r=0.770) and divergent validity (r=-0.972) respectively. The NMP-Q demonstrated scores below 64 as no nomophobia; from 64-79 for mild nomophobia; 80-95 for moderate nomophobia and >95 indicated severe nomophobia for our population. CONCLUSION: The Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) is a valid, accurate and reliable instrument that can measure nomophobia in the Indian youth population.