Problematic Internet Use and Its Correlates Among Students from Three Medical Schools Across Three Countries

Prevalence of internet addiction and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Internet addiction refers to the excessive and uncontrolled utilization of the Internet, which disrupts one's daily activities. The current state of knowledge regarding internet addiction in Ethiopia is limited. Consequently, the objective of this study is to ascertain the combined prevalence of Internet addiction and its correlated factors among university students in Ethiopia.

Methods

To identify potential research findings, an extensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The presence of heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics, while the effects of small studies were examined using Eggers statistical tests at a 5% significance level. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was carried out. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of Internet addiction among students. The primary focus of this research was to determine the prevalence of Internet addiction, while the secondary aim was to identify the factors associated with Internet addiction.

Results

To determine the overall prevalence of Internet addiction among university students in Ethiopia, a comprehensive analysis of 11 studies was conducted. The results of this study show that the pooled prevalence of Internet addiction was 43.42% (95% CI: 28.54, 58.31). The results also suggest that certain factors such as online gaming, depression, and current khat chewing are significantly associated with internet addiction among university students.

Conclusions

In Ethiopia, about one-third of university students suffer from internet addiction. The prevalence of Internet addiction among Ethiopian students is associated with online gaming, depression, and concurrent khat consumption. Therefore, we strongly recommend that health planners and policymakers prioritize monitoring and addressing Internet use and addiction in the Ethiopian context.

Internet addiction, new contemporary reality in Benin: exploratory analysis of associated factors among medical and paramedical students in 2022

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, Internet addiction is a major concern due to the growing number of Internet users and the consequences associated with this addiction.

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH

In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with Internet addiction among health sciences students at the University of Abomey-Calavi.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 346 students from the Faculty of Health Sciences and the National Institute of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Abomey-Calavi. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Internet addiction was assessed using K. Young’s “Internet Addiction Test.” Logistic regression modeling was employed to explore factors associated with Internet addiction. The strength of the association was assessed using odds ratios; the confidence interval (CI) was 95%; and a p-value < 0.05 in the final model was considered significant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Internet addiction was 31.8% (95% CI: [23.26% - 41.38%]). Factors associated with Internet addiction were the participant’s field of study, poor relationships with friends and family, communication difficulties, depression, and psychoactive substance consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence of Internet addiction exists among students in health sciences institutions in Benin. These findings can support the development of prevention and intervention strategies centered on addressing a public health issue that is still insufficiently recognized.

Internet addiction and associated factors among undergraduate students of Jimma University; Jimma, South West Ethiopia, institutional based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Internet addiction affects cognitive function, has a harmful impact on students' academic performance, and increases their risk of experiencing psychological crises.

OBJECTIVES

Examining the prevalence of internet addiction and its contributing factors among regular undergraduate students at Jimma University in south-west Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among study participants between August 1 and August 30, 2021. A total of 772 Participants were involved in the study using a multistage random sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested and structured questionnaires with self-administered techniques. The Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) was used to measure internet addiction. The data was entered into the computer using Epi Data version 4.6, and then it was exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. The association between each independent variable and the outcome variable was examined using bivariate analysis. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to determine how each independent variable affected the outcome variable.

RESULT

The prevalence of internet addiction among study participants was 53.6% (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) (49.99%, 57.15%). Findings from multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested a variety of related factors had significant associations with internet addiction. Being dissatisfied with a major study, having a cumulative grade point average of a promoted grade report, using the internet for entertainment, using the internet for Facebook, using the internet for telegram, depression, social anxiety, and poor social support.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a comparatively high frequency of internet addiction among study participants. Internet addiction has been linked to psychosocial, academic, and purpose-related aspects of internet use. As a result, incorporating stakeholders' efforts to improve the identified variables would be a helpful start toward lowering this high incidence.

Problematic Internet Use among Polish Students: Prevalence, Relationship to Sociodemographic Data and Internet Usage Patterns

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a broad term that covers problems with Internet use that result in psychological, social, academic or professional difficulties. The aim of our study was to identify individuals particularly vulnerable to developing PIU among Polish students, taking into account sociodemographic characteristics and Internet use patterns. A total of 1008 students of Polish universities took part in the survey. The research tool was The Problematic Internet Use Test-the Polish version of the Internet Addiction Test. Among the respondents, 10.2% showed signs of PIU-high or very high risk of addiction. Significantly higher levels of PIU were found in males than females, science students than medical and humanities students, and Internet users using a computer, as opposed to students using only a phone/tablet. A decrease in PIU was observed as students improved their assessment of their material situation. The severity of PIU increased significantly as the importance of Internet use for entertainment increased. Our research indicates that it is worth implementing measures to prevent the development of PIU in Poland, e.g., screening educational campaigns, especially for science students. It is also necessary to offer students at lower levels of education, especially the less affluent, forms of leisure time other than computer activity with the use of the Internet.

Personality traits and college students' internet addiction: The mediating roles of general health and self-esteem

This research aimed to explore the gender-related differences in Internet addiction levels, the associated factors behind Internet addiction, and the mediating roles of general health and self-esteem in the relationship between personality traits and Internet addiction among college students. A total of 318 college students in Iran participating in this study completed sociodemographic information form and self-report measures of Internet addiction, personality traits, general health, and self-esteem. The results showed higher frequencies of low and moderate-severe levels of addiction among female and male students, respectively. Further, younger age, male gender, singleness, high scores on neuroticism, poor general health, and low self-esteem might be linked to Internet addiction. The overall hypothesis that general health and self-esteem mediated the effect of neuroticism on Internet addiction was also supported. Our findings highlighted the necessity of evaluating general health and self-esteem among Internet-addicted students. Further, these variables can be targeted by psychiatrists and psychologists for effective cognitive-behavioral therapy among Internet-addicted students.

Personality Traits of Croatian University Students with Internet Addiction

Specific personality traits may predispose individuals to various forms of addictive behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the association between personality traits of university students and Internet addiction (IA). A sample of 1051 university students was recruited from the largest university in Eastern Croatia. A structured anonymous questionnaire that included questions regarding students’ sociodemographic information and Internet usage patterns, the Young Internet Addiction Test and Big Five Inventory served as a research tool. The study revealed that 1.0% of the studied sample expressed severe IA while 24.6% of study participants expressed some signs of addiction. The IA was detected in 576 (80.0%) students who used the Internet mainly for social networking, in 30 (78.9%) students who mainly used it for online gaming, and in 153 (52.2%) students who mainly used it for university assignments (p < 0.001). Higher neuroticism, higher extraversion, and higher openness to new experiences were connected with IA in general (p < 0.001). Higher neuroticism, higher extraversion, and higher openness to new experiences were significantly associated with addictive behavior during social networking (p < 0.001). Higher extraversion and higher openness to new experiences were significantly associated with addictive behavior during Internet usage for university assignments (p = 0.025), while there were no significant associations between specific personality traits and addictive behavior during online gaming (p = 0.059). Personality traits must be taken into account while developing programs and implementing interventions for preventing IA in the university student population.

Problematic Internet Use, health behaviors, depression and eating disorders: a cross-sectional study among Polish medical school students

BACKGROUND

Problematic Internet Use is defined as a use of the Internet which leads to various difficulties. The aim of this study was to check whether Problematic Internet Use is associated with health risks, such as: anti-health behaviors, depressive symptoms, abnormal body weight or eating disorders.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 540 medical school students of Polish descent (83.5% females; 16.5% males), whose mean age was 22.49 years (SD = 5.20). The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire set, including the Problematic Internet Use Test, Juczyński's Health-Related Behavior Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Eating Attitudes Test and a self-designed demographic survey.

RESULTS

Increased Problematic Internet Use scores were observed in male, full-time students, persons who use the Internet on the computer (compared to those who mostly use it on the phone), and those who go online mainly for entertainment purposes (compared to those who indicated another main purpose of using the Internet). 47.6% of the sample reported poor health behaviors, while 27.1% met the criteria of a depressive episode and 6.9% of an eating disorder. High risk of Problematic Internet Use was observed in 2.8% of the sample, particularly those who reported having more free time during the day, engaged in fewer health protective behaviors, manifested more severe depressive symptoms and scored higher on the Eating Attitudes Test.

CONCLUSION

Such results indicate that students with Problematic Internet Use lead an unhealthy lifestyle and more often show symptoms of depression and eating disorders than students without Problematic Internet Use.

Correlates of problematic internet use among undergraduate medical students of Delhi

BACKGROUND

Globally, due to population diversity, the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) varies from 7.3 to 51%. This study aims to assess correlates of problematic internet use among undergraduate medical students of Delhi and derive a model for allocating new subjects among categories of internet users.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 201 medical-undergraduate students in a medical college of Delhi from April 1st to May 31st, 2019. A semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and factors affecting PIU. Dr. Kimberly Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) tool was used to assess PIU. Binary logistic regression has been applied to assess the correlates of PIU, and step-wise discriminant analysis (DA) has been applied to derive a model for allocation of new subjects among categories of internet users. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Trial version 27.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) software was used for statistical analysis.

RESULT

Total 41.3% of the subjects had PIU. Univariate analysis shows that internet use for emotional support, watching adult content, and gambling were significantly associated with PIU; however, in binary logistic regression, chatting, emotional support and watching online adult content were significant risk factors for PIU. The discriminant model correctly classified 66.2% of respondents into average and problematic internet user groups.

CONCLUSION

We should create awareness among medical students regarding problematic internet use and its potential harms; this could be included in the foundation course of curriculum implementation support program (CISP) for MBBS students.

There Are Predictors of Eating Disorders among Internet Use Characteristics-A Cross-Sectional Study on the Relationship between Problematic Internet Use and Eating Disorders

The aims of this cross-sectional study were: (i) to establish the prevalence of problematic Internet use (PIU) and eating disorders (EDs) among Polish students; (ii) to investigate potential correlations between the two phenomena; and (iii) to identify predictors of eating disorders among socio-demographic and Internet use characteristics in this population. To this end, a total of 1008 Polish students aged 18-40, completed the Problematic Internet Use Test (TPIU22), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and a self-designed Socio-demographic and Internet Use Survey. Men received more PIU scores (p < 0.001), while women received more EAT-26 scores (p < 0.05) with a significant correlation observed between those variables (rho = 0.212; p < 0.001). The strongest predictors of EDs were as follows: preoccupation with the Internet, neglect of sleep in favor of Internet use, alleviation of negative feelings while online, higher mean number of hours spent online on weekends for academic and work-related purposes, extracurricular activity, lower height and higher BMI. An association has been demonstrated between problematic internet use and eating disorders. Somewhat surprisingly, our results suggest that people at risk of EDs use the Internet primarily to fulfill their routine duties. Nevertheless, further research is needed to establish the causality of EDs and PIU.

How Have Researchers Acknowledged and Controlled for Academic Work Activity When Measuring Medical Students' Internet Addiction? A Systematic Literature Review

Internationally, medical students' Internet Addiction (IA) is widely studied. As medical students use the Internet extensively for work, we asked how researchers control for work-related Internet activity, and the extent to which this influences interpretations of "addiction" rates. A search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted on the search phrase of "medical students" and "internet addiction" in March 2020. In total, 98 studies met our criteria, 88 (90%) used Young's Internet Addiction Test, and the studies' IA rates ranged widely. Little note was taken of work-related activity, and, when discussed, had little to no impact on the interpretation of Internet "addiction". Studies seldom accounted for work-related activities, researcher bias appears to influence their position, "usage" appears conflated with "addiction", and correlations between "addiction" and negative behaviours are frequently confused with one-way causation. In spite of IA's not being officially recognised, few researchers questioned its validity. While IA may exist among medical students, its measurement is flawed; given the use of the Internet as a crucial medical education tool, there is the risk that conscientious students will be labelled "addicted", and poor academic performance may be attributed to this "addiction".

Prevalence and associated factors of internet addiction among undergraduate university students in Ethiopia: a community university-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Internet addiction is a common problem in university students and negatively affects cognitive functioning, leads to poor academic performance and engagement in hazardous activities, and may lead to anxiety and stress. Behavioral addictions operate on a modified principle of the classic addiction model. The problem is not well investigated in Ethiopia. So the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of internet addiction and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES

Main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of internet addiction among University Students in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Wollo University students from April 10 to May 10, 2019. A total of 603 students were participated in the study using a structured questionnaire. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. A binary logistic regression method was used to explore associated factors for internet addiction and variables with a p value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were fitted to the multi-variable logistic regression analysis. The strength of association between internet addiction and associated factors was assessed with odds ratio, 95% CI and p value < 0.05 in the final model was considered significant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of internet addiction (IA) among the current internet users was 85% (n = 466). Spending more time on the internet (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 10.13, 95% CI 1.33-77.00)), having mental distress (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI 1.02-7.06), playing online games (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.38-4.18), current khat chewing (AOR = 3.34, 95% CI 1.14-9.83) and current alcohol use (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.09-4.92) were associated with internet addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study documents a high prevalence of internet addiction among Wollo University students. Factors associated with internet addiction were spending more time, having mental distress, playing online games, current khat chewing, and current alcohol use. As internet addiction becomes an evident public health problem, carrying out public awareness campaigns may be a fruitful strategy to decrease its prevalence and effect. Besides to this, a collaborative work among stakeholders is important to develop other trendy, adaptive, and sustainable countermeasures.

Insomnia, sleepiness, anxiety and depression among different types of gamers in African countries

Gaming has increasingly become a part of life in Africa. Currently, no data on gaming disorders or their association with mental disorders exist for African countries. This study for the first time investigated (1) the prevalence of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, anxiety and depression among African gamers, (2) the association between these conditions and gamer types (i.e., non-problematic, engaged, problematic and addicted) and (3) the predictive power of socioeconomic markers (education, age, income, marital status, employment status) on these conditions. 10,566 people from 2 low- (Rwanda, Gabon), 6 lower-middle (Cameroon, Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Ivory Coast) and 1 upper-middle income countries (South Africa) completed online questionnaires containing validated measures on insomnia, sleepiness, anxiety, depression and gaming addiction. Results showed our sample of gamers (24 ± 2.8 yrs; 88.64% Male), 30% were addicted, 30% were problematic, 8% were engaged and 32% were non-problematic. Gaming significantly contributed to 86.9% of the variance in insomnia, 82.7% of the variance in daytime sleepiness and 82.3% of the variance in anxiety [p < 0.001]. This study establishes the prevalence of gaming, mood and sleep disorders, in a large African sample. Our results corroborate previous studies, reporting problematic and addicted gamers show poorer health outcomes compared with non-problematic gamers.