The Effectiveness web-based Educational Program on Optimal Use of Smartphones among Students with Nomophobia based on Self-Efficacy Theory: The Role of the Medical Librarian

Abstract

Background and Objective: Nomophobia is defined as the fear of being out of mobile phone contact and is considered a phobia of the modern age. The current study explored the effectiveness of the medical Librarian’s web-based educational program on optimal use of smartphones among students with nomophobia based on self-efficacy theory. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study applied random controlled clinical trial and before-after Design groups with a follow-up method. The population included all students of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. Of the population, 98 students with high score nomophobia were selected as a sample. They were divided into two groups, control, and intervention, randomly. The intervention group received a web-based educational program, plus an electronic pamphlet. Data were collected in two steps. SPSS software was used to analyze data. Results: The results indicated that the nomophobia score in an intervention group reduced significantly (P<0.001), just two weeks after the intervention (54.1±16.20) in comparison to the before (78.3±22.11). Also, the average score of self-efficacy increased remarkably (P<0.001), after the intervention (36.3±4.20) than before (30.8±4.79). The score of nomophobia and self-efficacy showed a significant difference between the control and intervention groups. Conclusion: Health-based educations, especially web-based educations, can be considered a good solution during the pandemics for target audiences. The useful web-based educational program could have improved the recognition of the students toward nomophobia and increase their self-efficacy.