Fear of missing out and its influencing factors among nursing interns : an analysis using CHAID decision tree and random forest models—A cross-sectional study

Fear of missing out (FoMO) is a growing psychological concern among young professionals, yet its prevalence and determinants among nursing interns—who face unique clinical and social pressures during transitional training—remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to investigate FoMO status and its influencing factors among nursing interns, to provide reference for improving their psychological wellbeing and internship quality. A total of 330 nursing interns from four teaching hospitals across three provinces in China were selected as participants during the period from May 2024 to December 2025. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Fear of Missing Out Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Univariate analysis, multiple linear regression, the CHAID decision tree model, and random forest regression were employed to analyze the influencing factors of FoMO. Eight variables including only-child status, education level, and daily social media use duration showed significant associations with FoMO in univariate analysis (all p < 0.05). Six factors, represented by loneliness and daily social media use duration, were identified as independent predictors by multiple linear regression (all p < 0.05). The CHAID model revealed daily social media use duration as the primary stratification factor, with hierarchical interactive effects of loneliness, nursing as first choice, and only-child status. Random forest regression further quantified that daily social media use duration held the highest feature importance weight (29.17%). FoMO among nursing interns is influenced by multiple interrelated factors. Targeted psychological and behavioral interventions should be implemented to reduce FoMO levels and promote professional adaptation of nursing interns.