Internet Addiction Amongst Students of a Medical College in Central India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Internet addiction is an upcoming problem that has been considered as an important public health problem and the position of India comes after China, US and Japan in terms of highest number of internet users. To assess the usage of internet among students of Medical college and to classify levels of internet addiction. A questionnaire based crosssectional study was planned. Students of 1st year, 3rd year and interns were selected to participate in study. Young’s Addiction Test was used as a tool to assess and classify internet addiction. Data was entered and analysed in Epiinfo7. 49.75% (199) students has mean score between 50-79 which indicates moderate dependence on internet whereas 36.50 (146) students has mean score of 31-49 and 3.75% (15) students show mean score between 81-100 which indicates mild and severe dependency on internet respectively. 10% (40) students has mean score between 0-30 which indicates normal internet usage. the internet usage among medical students is on rise which should be taken care of with care and special program should be taken to create awareness amongst students.