Reliability and Validity of Gujarati Version of Nomophobia Questionnaire: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Nomophobia is considered a modern-age phobia whereby individuals fear being without a smartphone. The present study focuses on translating the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) into Gujarati to measure nomophobia. Aim: To assess the reliability and validity of the Gujarati version of the NMP-Q, aiming to enhance research, public health initiatives and clinical assessments. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to November 2023 at the Department of Physiotherapy, Vidhyadeep Institute of Physiotherapy, Surat, Gujarat, India and comprised two phases: 1) Face and content validation through expert clinical review; 2) Test-retest reliability. Face and content validity of the Gujarati NMP-Q were determined using the consensus method with a total of 200 participants aged between 15-18 years. To assess the reliability of the Gujarati NMP-Q, internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Test-retest reliability was determined using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. Results: A total of 200 participants (mean age 17.60±1.40 years) were included in the study. The Gujarati version of the NMP-Q demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability, indicated by a high ICC (0.986) and high internal consistency (0.972). The values for Content Validation Ratio (CVR), Item-level Content Validation Index (I-CVI), Modified Kappa (K) and Proportion of Agreement were all 1. Conclusion: The Gujarati version of the NMP-Q exhibits excellent reliability and good face and content validity. It is deemed adequate and valuable for assessing the level of fear of being without a smartphone in daily life among Gujaratispeaking school students.