PROBLEM INTERNET USE IN NURSING STUDENTS AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Problematic internet use (PIU) has been evaluated as an important factor that negatively affects people’s lives, and it is increasing at an alarming rate. Although growing interest in Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) in the high school population, very little is known about the potential risks of the use of the internet for university students. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of PIU and its relationship to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among nursing students. This cross-sectional study surveyed 269 (104 male and 165 female) students at a university, using a self-administered questionnaire with sections on socio-demographics, score for internet use/addiction (IA), and an assessment of HRQOL. The statistical analysis was done with SPSS Version 23 using Independent-Samples t Test, Fisher's Exact Test, and Chi-Square Test. The ages of students in the research group ranged from 17 to 29 with a mean age of 20.86±1.79. The prevalence of problematic internet use was 9.3% (total of 25 students). Participants with PIU are more likely to experience poor physical and mental health.PIU is widespread among university students, and PIU was significantly associated with poor HRQOL. Effective precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of this problem and interventions to prevent the effects of PIU on HRQOL should be conducted as early as probable.