The Relationship between Anxiety, Depression, and Problematic Internet Use among a Sample of university students in Egypt

Abstract

Objective: Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a growing problem among adolescents. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of PIU and to explore the relationship between anxiety, depression ,and PIU among sample of Egyptian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2017 to January 2018 on a random sample of 588 students selected from four faculties in Sohag University. PIU was assessed by the 20-item Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT). Information was also collected on demographics, family and school-related factors and Internet usage patterns. Taylor’s Manifest Anxiety Scale was used as a general indicator of anxiety. Beck depression inventory was used for measuring the existence and the severity of depression. Results: Findings showed that the prevalence of PIU among the studied population was 35.2%. About 86.9% of Students with PIU significantly had anxiety also, 85.02% of Students with PIU significantly had Depression . Depression, Availability of internet at home, Anxiety, presence of computer at home, using Internet for chatting , high monthly income , young age, Theoretical faculties , using Internet for chatting and Male gender were the most important predictors of PIU. Conclusion: PIU prevalent disorder among undergraduate university students in Egypt. Clinicians and health professionals should be aware of the risk of PIU in students with Anxiety and Depression.