INTERNET ADDICTION IN FUTURE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Internet addiction, problematic use, medical students, prevalence, Young's Internet Addiction Test
Abstract
Internet addiction is a growing behavioral concern among medical students, driven by academic stress, high digital engagement, and easy access to online platforms. This study aimed to determine its prevalence and identify associated demographic, behavioral, and internet-use factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted (February–March 2025) among 300 MBBS students selected through two-stage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic details, internet usage patterns, and Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Scores were categorized as normal (<20), problematic (20–49), or addicted (≥50). Associations between categorical variables and addiction status were assessed using Chi-square tests, while differences in mean age between groups were analyzed using independent sample t-tests. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Of the participants, 39.3% had no addiction, 52.3% were problematic users, and 8.3% were addicted, yielding a combined prevalence of 60.6%. Sociodemographic variables showed no significant association with addiction status. Significant predictors included daily hours online (p < 0.001) and monthly internet expenditure (p = 0.008). Addiction prevalence was highest among those using the Internet>5 hours/day (18.6%) and spending >₹1000/month (15.0%). Frequent use of social networking (p=0.03), education/study (p=0.04), online gaming (p=0.05), and viewing sexual content (p=0.04) was significantly associated with higher addiction rates. Device type, age at first internet use, internet speed, and online shopping frequency were not significant predictors of the outcome.
Conclusion: Internet addiction is prevalent among medical students, with behavioral patterns and usage intensity emerging as stronger predictors than demographic factors. Early screening and targeted institutional interventions are warranted to promote balanced internet use and safeguard academic, psychological, and social well-being.
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Dr Divyesh Vadasmiya
Associate Professor. Department of Physiology, GMERS Himmatnagar, Sabarkantha, Gujarat, India
Dr Sandip Laxmanbhai Vaghela
Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesia, Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Science and Research, Kalol, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Dr Rahulkumar Rameshbhai Parmar
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India
Dr. Devendra Kumar Rabari
CPS student, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shree Giriraj Hospital, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.