A country ruled by “cleanliness”

One study conducted by an international team of researchers surveyed 754 medical students, mostly between the ages of 18 and 29, in a country facing political turmoil and severe restrictions on girls’ education.

The survey results are Heliona troubling trend was revealed: Men experienced moderate to severe disgust (93%) slightly more than women (88%), suggesting different vulnerabilities based on gender. refutes previous research.

Dr Suleman Lazarus, lead author of the study and a cybercrime expert at the University of Surrey, said: ‘The overwhelming prevalence of nomophobia among Afghan students is not just an individual problem, but a socio-political one. It is a reflection of the crisis.” With communication and connectivity becoming increasingly limited in Afghanistan, smartphones have become a lifeline, and separation from them increases dependence and anxiety. ”

The study also found that married people had higher average scores compared to single people, highlighting the influence of marital status on levels of nomophobia. This unexpected finding suggests that interpersonal dynamics and societal expectations in Afghanistan play an important role in shaping individuals’ experiences of anxiety related to smartphone use.

To conduct this study, the team used the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), an established tool designed to measure the severity of nomophobia symptoms. Data collection was conducted from October to December 2022 by sampling the responses of students of Kabul Medical University.

Participants completed a 27-item questionnaire assessing their feelings and behaviors regarding smartphone use. The questionnaire was translated into Dari, the local language, to ensure accessibility and understanding.

The main findings are:

• 54% of participants reported moderate phobia

• 35% had severe symptoms

• 93% of men and 88% of women are nomophobic

• Gender, age, and marriage are important factors that influence the strength of nomophobia.

The implications of these findings are significant, especially given Taliban policies that have limited women’s rights to education and freedom. This situation has reinforced our dependence on smartphones, making them not just gadgets but essential tools for survival and connectivity.

This study presents a unique lens through which to view the intersection of technology, mental health, and sociopolitical context in Afghanistan. With only 18.4% of the population actually having access to the internet and a clear gender disparity in access to the technology itself, understanding nomophobia in this context can help address mental health and social well-being. The above is extremely important.

Dr Lazarus added: “This study is an important step towards understanding the impact of a technology-dependent society on mental health, especially in areas where access to education and fundamental rights is severely restricted. “The data we collect paints a clear picture of society.” The psychological landscape of Afghanistan today. ”