“A Cross-sectional Study to Assess the Frequency of Phantom Pattern and its Association with Smartphone Dependence and Perceived Stress among Nursing Students, SGT University, Gurugram (Haryana)”

Abstract

Background: Phantom Vibration Syndrome (PVS) and Phantom Ringing Syndrome (PRS) are perceptual illusions of phone alerts without external stimuli. With widespread smartphone use, these phenomena have emerged as significant concerns among students.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of phantom vibration and ringing patterns, smartphone dependence, and perceived stress, and examine correlations among them in nursing students.

Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 326 nursing students at SGT University using non -randomized convenience sampling. Standardized tools included the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV) and semi-structured questionnaires assessing phantom vibration and ringing. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using SPSS.

Results: Of participants, 27.6% were classified as smartphone addicted, 6.1% had a high likelihood of phantom ringing, and 7.98% reported high impact of phantom vibration on stress. Significant positive correlations were found between smartphone addiction and vibration syndrome (r=0.557), and weaker correlations between smartphone addiction and phantom ringing (r=0.366).

Conclusion: Phantom patterns are prevalent among nursing students, closely associated with smartphone dependence and perceived stress. Educational interventions and mental health awareness are recommended to mitigate these effects.