Prevalence of internet addiction, internet usage patterns and associated factors: A cross sectional study among students of a medical college in Odisha

Abstract

Background: With the universality of internet, the problems with its overuse and abuse have been increasing in recent times. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among all the students on rolls of MKCG medical college, Berhampur using the young's internet addiction test for assessment of internet addiction. Results: Mobile phones were the primary source of internet in 73.9% subjects. Average online time was 3.59 hours per day. Prevalence of mild or moderate internet addiction was 26.3% with no significant difference between males and females. Significant positive correlation was found between the BMI of the subjects and duration of internet use in the last 24 hours. The mean amount of money spent by the students to purchase internet connection per month is Rs.290.30. There was significant negative linear correlation between the estimated daily time spent on the internet (μ=3.59, SD=3.51) and time spent on studies (μ=4.38, SD=2.5) (r = -0.107, p=0.016); and time of continuous night sleep (μ=7.07, SD=1.39) (r= -0.237, p<0.01). The most frequent cause for internet access overall was social networking followed by educational uses. Average duration of internet usage in a typical day, internet usage in the past 24 hours, the amount of money spent per month on internet services, and duration since internet use commenced showed significant positive correlation as predictors of internet addiction (Adjusted R2=0.089, p<0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study imply that internet addiction is a rising public health problem with multiple contributing factors