Publication:

Prevalence of cyber victimization, knowledge of cybercrime and its psychological impact among nursing students in New Delhi: a descriptive study

Background The rapid advancement of communication technology has transformed connectivity through smartphones and social media, but has also expanded avenues for online harassment, making cybervictimization a public health concern. Nursing students are particularly vulnerable due to frequent online exposure and academic demands. This study aimed to assess prevalence and knowledge of cybercrime and evaluate psychological impact of cybervictimization among nursing students in New Delhi.

Methods A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted at selected nursing colleges of New Delhi from June 2024 to December 2024. A total of 701 nursing students were selected using total enumeration sampling technique. Data were collected using structured knowledge questionnaire, standardized Cybervictimization Scale (CYBVICS 2019), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test.

Results Out of 701 nursing students, 565 (80.60%) demonstrated good knowledge, 121 (17.26%) average, and 15 (2.14%) poor knowledge regarding cybercrime. Cybervictimization was present in 491 (70.05%) students, with 151 (21.54%) mild, 149 (21.25%) moderate, and 191 (27.24%) severe victimization. Among 475 victimized participants, 286 (60.21%) had depression, 279 (58.73%) anxiety, and 55 (11.57%) stress. Significant associations were observed between cybervictimization and depression, anxiety and stress at p<0.05.

Conclusions Although most students possess good knowledge, prevalence of cybervictimization remains high and significantly associated with psychological outcomes, emphasizing need for institutional cyber safety programs and psychological support.