Prevalence of internet addiction and its relationship with insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students of a tertiary care medical institute of Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Internet has become an integral part of our daily lives but as the use of internet is increasing, it is important to be aware of the prevalence, context, and impact of its addiction on sleep and the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress in our lives. Aim: To assess the prevalence of internet addiction and its association with insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students in a tertiary care medical institute in Eastern India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study with a purposive sampling method was conducted among 420 undergraduate medical students of different professional years. Out of 420 medical students, 413 students who gave consent and returned complete performa were taken in the study using a semi-structured performa for sociodemographic details, Young’s Internet Addiction Test, Insomnia Severity Index, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Results: We found 31.2% of students had internet addiction, 24.2% had clinical insomnia, 58.1% had stress, 68.8% had anxiety, and 64.6% had depression. Potential internet addiction was significantly related to average screen time, insomnia, stress, anxiety, and depression. Conclusions: Internet addiction is prevalent among medical students affecting sleep, anxiety, depression, and stress, which needs urgent preventive strategies.