Is internet addiction related to self-esteem and insomnia among engineering students?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction With the availability and mobility of new media, Internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a potential problem in young people which refers to excessive computer use that interferes with their daily life, with harmful behavioral-psychological impact. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of IA among engineering students (ES) and to evaluate its relationship with self-esteem and insomnia. Methods In a cross-sectional survey using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, data was collected from a randomized sample of 305 ES in Sfax, Southern Tunisia. Previously validated and standardized scales including Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Rosenberg self-esteem and Internet Addiction Test (IAT) were performed. Results Among 305 ES, 185 (60.7%) were females, giving a male to female ratio of 0.6. Their mean age was 22.9 ± 2.6. Prevalence of internet addiction was 41.3% (N=); it was moderate in 102 ES (80.9%) and severe in 24 ES (19.1%). As for insomnia and low self-esteem, their prevalence rates were 59.6 and 28.2%, respectively. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors including mixing cannabis with tobacco (OR = 11.2; p = 0.02), skipping meals once a day (OR = 3.6; p = 0.041), first use of smartphones at younger age (OR = 2.2; p = 0.042) and spending ≥3 hours per day on line (OR = 3.2; p = 0.032) were statistically associated with internet addiction. Academic failure during the last year (OR = 2.02; p = 0.04) was significantly more frequent among internet addicted ES. Moreover, mental health disorders, notably feeling frequently in depressive mood (OR = 1.9; p = 0.048), insomnia (OR = 1.24; p = 0.007) and low self-esteem (OR = 2.62; p = 0.003) were statistically associated with internet addiction. Conclusions Ranking at an alarming rate, internet addiction has been found to have a very strong relationship with insomnia and low self-esteem among ES, and at times it affected their social life and their relationship with their family. Key messages Internet addiction among engineering students. Insomnia and self-esteem among engineering students.