Internet Addiction and Psychological Morbidity among Menoufia University Students, Egypt

Abstract

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a growing problem among university students worldwide. There is lack of Egyptian national studies addressing this problem. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of PIU and its relation to psychological morbidity among Egyptian university students. A cross sectional study was carried out on 1656 university students from two Egyptian faculties randomly chosen following multistage random sampling methodology. Students were asked to fill a questionnaire including data about demographic factors, family and school-related factors and internet using activities. Young internet addiction test (YIAT) and the General health questionnaire (GHQ -12) were used to assess internet addiction and psychological morbidity. About 13% of the participants were problematic internet users. Prevalence of PIU was significantly higher among males, students from the theoretical college, students with higher parents education, students who use internet for more hours daily, more frequently, and who use it for socialization and entertainment purposes. A significantly positive correlation was found between YIAT scores and GHQ scores. This study showed a high prevalence of PIU among Egyptian university students which affects their psychological wellbeing. An intervention program focusing on related factors should be implemented to reduce this problem. Future researches addressing the relationship between PIU and psychological disorders should be carried out.