Relationships Between Nomophobia Levels and Perceived Stress, Body Image and Food Addiction Among University Students

An Investigation of the Relationships Between Nomophobia Levels and Stress, Body Image and Food Addiction Among University Students

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of nomophobia levels on stress, food addiction, and body image among undergraduate students aged 18-30 at Bahçeşehir University, Faculty of Health Sciences. The primary questions it aims to answer are:

• Is there a statistically significant relationship between nomophobia levels and perceived stress, food addiction, and body image among university students?
• Is there a correlation between objective anthropometric data (body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass) measured via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), waist/hip circumference measurements, and the individual's perceived body image?

The data collection process for this study will involve undergraduate students aged 18-30 at Bahçeşehir University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Participants will first complete a survey consisting of a socio-demographic form, daily screen time tracking, the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), and the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS) to assess subjective body image.To ensure the accuracy of the biological data, participants will be required to follow a standardized measurement protocol, including at least 8 hours of fasting, avoidance of heavy physical activity prior to the assessment, and the removal of all metal accessories. Under these conditions, objective physical data will be gathered using the InBody 270 body composition analyzer via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to record body weight (kg), body fat percentage (%), and skeletal muscle mass (kg). Additionally, anthropometric measurements including waist and hip circumferences (cm) will be manually collected using a standardized non-elastic tape to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). These objective metrics will be compared with the participants' subjective survey responses to analyze the impact of nomophobia on body image distortion, stress levels, and eating behaviors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being an active smartphone user
• Reading and providing consent via the Informed Consent Form
• Absence of conditions such as pacemaker implantation, metallic prostheses in the body, or pregnancy
• Not having a diagnosed metabolic disorder (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disorders) or any acute/chronic psychiatric condition that may affect eating behavior

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with a current diagnosis of an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, etc.)
• Individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis of severe depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, or an anxiety disorder requiring treatment
• Individuals who regularly use psychiatric medications (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, etc.)
• Individuals who have used corticosteroids or similar hormone-regulating medications in the past 3 months
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• Participants who did not complete the questionnaires or the measurement procedures