Prevalence and Related Factors of Cyber Addiction among Moroccan University Students

Abstract

Background: Internet addiction may be a major health problem among students. Indeed, its prevalence is higher than that found in the general population. Aim: to assess the prevalence of cyberaddiction as well as the factors associated with cyberaddiction in a sample of Moroccan university students. Methods: We used an online questionnaire including sociodemographic and clinical data, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Statistical analysis: IBM's Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 26. Results: The current prevalence of cyberaddiction among students was 30.9%, with no significant difference according to gender. A younger age, long duration of internet use (p<0.001), activities of social media (p<0.01) and the video game (p<0.03) were the correlated with cyberaddiction. On the other hand, a significant association was found between internet addiction and high levels of depression and anxiety (p<0.001), as well as with low self-esteem (p<0.001). Furthermore, a statistically significant association was found between internet addiction and high levels of depression and anxiety (p<0.001), as well as with low self-esteem (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study suggests an association between young age, long duration of Internet use and the risk for developing cyberaddiction. Depressive and anxiety levels, low self-esteem, are also associated with cyberaddiction. The study suggests that considering the high prevalence of this kind of addiction, an awareness and prevention programme for cyberaddiction is needed among this student population.