Reducing smartphone distractions to improve time management for nursing students
Reducing Digital Distractions to Improve Time Management Among Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study of a Brief Digital Abstinence Intervention
This project will test whether a short period of limiting non-academic smartphone use helps undergraduate nursing students cut down distractions and manage their time better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jeddah, Alahsaa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07467057 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This quasi-experimental study tests a brief digital-abstinence intervention in which undergraduate nursing students limit or abstain from non-academic smartphone use for a defined period. Participants will complete validated measures of digital distraction and time management before and after the intervention to compare changes. The design uses within-participant pre/post comparisons to measure effects on attention, academic focus, and time-use. Findings aim to inform practical strategies for healthier digital habits in demanding programs like nursing.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are 18–25 year-old undergraduate nursing students who regularly use smartphones and social media and are willing to follow a short period of digital abstinence and complete study questionnaires.
Not a fit: Students who do not regularly use smartphones, who have medical or psychological conditions that interfere with participation, or who are enrolled in other digital-use interventions may not experience benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could help students improve concentration, academic productivity, and their ability to manage study time.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies and digital‑detox interventions have shown mixed but generally promising effects on attention and time use, so the approach has some prior support but is not yet definitive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the nursing program. Aged between 18 and 25 years. Regular users of smartphones and social media. Willing to participate in the digital abstinence intervention and complete study questionnaires. Able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Students currently participating in another behavioral or digital-use intervention study. Students with medical or psychological conditions that may interfere with study participation. Students who do not regularly use smartphones or digital media. Students who decline or withdraw consent to participate in the study.
Where this trial is running
Jeddah, Alahsaa
- King Faisal — Jeddah, Alahsaa, Saudi Arabia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mostafa shaban, phd
- Email: mostafa.shaban2020@cu.edu.eg
- Phone: 1094008904
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.