Excessive Internet Research Articles

Associations of generalized anxiety and social anxiety symptoms with sleep duration, amount of intense exercise, and excessive internet use among adolescents.

Among adolescents, symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are not only clinically significant but also continuingly increasing. During adolescence, individuals begin to establish distinct, self-determined lifestyle patterns. This study seeks to identify the associations between such lifestyle factors and the prevalence of GAD and SAD symptoms. The analyzable sample was based on a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of Finnish 14-18 year old students from comprehensive schools, general upper secondary schools, and vocational institutions. The sample consisted of 60,252 boys and 71,118 girls, with the mean age of 16.05 years (standard deviation 1.06). Symptoms were identified using the GAD-7 (cutpoint of 10), the Mini-SPIN (cutpoint of 6), and the PHQ-2 (cutpoint of 3). Logistic regression models for both GAD and SAD symptoms were stratified by comorbidity group variables. GAD symptoms were closely related to excessive internet use and decreased sleep duration among adolescents, regardless of comorbidity with depression or SAD. SAD symptoms were associated with excessive internet use and a lack of intense exercise, independent of comorbid depression or GAD. The findings underscore the importance of considering lifestyle factors when developing interventions to mitigate GAD and SAD symptoms in adolescents. Interventions and policy recommendations aiming at improving adolescents' health behaviour and mental health should take into account the intertwining of these factors.

Adolescents smartphone screen time and its association with caries symptoms experience from the Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey 2020–2021

Adolescence is a time when important changes occur in behavioral development, and previous studies have confirmed the relationship between excessive Internet use and decreased oral health behavior. Our purpose is to identify the indirect effects and behavioral factors of smartphone screen time on the caries symptom experience of adolescents. Using data from the 16–17th Korea youth risk behavior web based survey (2020–2021), we investigated the smartphone screen time of 109,796 students in middle school 1st to high school 3rd. Adolescents who used smartphones more than 6 h per week were 28% more likely to experience caries symptoms than those who used smartphones less than 2 h (odds ratio = 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–1.35). Those who consumed cariogenic drinks more than once a day were 25% more likely to experience caries symptoms, and those who brushed their teeth less than once a day were 26% more likely to experience caries symptoms (odds ratio = 1.25, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.46, 1.06–1.51). Excessive smartphone screen time is associated with addictive eating habits and reduced physical activity that increase cariogenic dietary behaviors, and decrease oral health behaviors. It suggests that excessive smartphone use indirectly related to the experience of caries symptoms.

Internet addiction: the Czech and Slovak adolescent population

BackgroundAdolescence is often seen as an important period for further personality development. In today's world, it is therefore important to keep track of current trends in adolescents. One of them is addictive behaviour in the context of the online environment. Spending too much time online can have a negative impact on the quality of life of adolescents. It is therefore important to pay increased attention to this phenomenon and to respond adequately to the current situation.MethodsOur study focuses on the prevalence of Internet addiction among Czech and Slovak adolescents. In total, 3,741 respondents participated in the project (N = 2,642 CZ; N = 1,099 SK); their ages ranged from 11 to 19 years (M = 14.38; SD ± 2.27). The research addressed differences among individual types of schools and between sexes in relation to Internet addiction. The research focused on adolescents attending secondary schools (ISCED 2 and 3) between the ages of 11 and 19 in the Czech and Slovak Republics. A questionnaire battery consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) questionnaire was used for data collection.ResultsIn relation to the category of Internet use, girls did not score higher than boys either in the Czech group F(1, 2112) = .089, p = .765, or in the Slovak group F(1, 927) < .001 p = .994. There is a significant effect of school type both in the Czech group F(4, 2100) = 11.483, p < .001, and in the Slovak group F(4, 859) = 2.859, p = .023.ConclusionsOur research indicates that some adolescents, particularly boys, face issues with excessive Internet use, affecting social interactions. Further studies in the Czech Republic could explore the link between psychosocial factors and adolescent Internet use. This highlights the need to raise awareness among professionals about Internet addiction in Czech and Slovak adolescents.

Depression and excessive internet use: The mediating roles of anxiety and intellectual difficulties

The Internet has become an integral part of modern life, providing easy access to resources that fulfill various human needs. This study examines the factors influencing Excessive Internet Use (EIU) among adolescents, with a focus on mental health, intellectual difficulties and sociodemographic factors, to better understand risk factors and inform targeted interventions. A total of 155,166 adolescents aged 13–17 years participated in this questionnaire-based study, utilizing national survey data. The findings reveal a social gradient in EIU, with disadvantaged groups—such as girls, sexual minorities, and those from lower/middle socioeconomic statuses—showing a higher tendency towards EIU compared to advantaged groups, including boys, heterosexuals, and individuals from higher SES backgrounds. Regression analysis identified intellectual difficulties and anxiety disorders as the strongest predictors of EIU. Mediation analysis underscore the mediating roles of anxiety and intellectual difficulties in the relationship between depressive symptoms and EIU. The moderation analysis indicated that the relationship between depressive symptoms and EIU was weaker among disadvantaged adolescents. The findings suggest that interventions addressing EIU should be tailored to the specific needs of disadvantaged groups, particularly girls, sexual minorities, and those from lower-SES backgrounds, who are at higher risk. Additionally, the attenuated impact of depressive symptoms on EIU in these groups indicates that anxiety disorders and intellectual difficulties may play a more critical role in driving EIU, highlighting the importance of comprehensive mental health strategies that extend beyond treating depression alone.

Association between Internet Game Addiction and Social Anxiety Symptoms among Adolescents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Internet Gaming Addiction (IGA) can have a significant impact on the characteristics of individual gamers and may even be a contributing factor to the development of social anxiety symptoms. This study of adolescent Saudi Arabian Internet gamers examined the influences of Internet gaming time and probable Internet Gaming Disorders (IGDs). It investigated the association between Internet game addiction and social anxiety symptoms among them. Methodology: The cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to June of 2023 among adolescents in the Saudi population. Probable IGD was measured by using the DSM-5 checklist, and the Arabic version of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) was used to evaluate social phobia or anxiety. Result: A total of 764 participants enrolled in the current study, 52% of whom were females, and 48% were males. 42% belonged to the age group 17-18, and 38% were 15-16. 44.8% of participants have a gaming addiction. There was a significant association between social phobia and gaming addiction (p-value ≤0.05). There was a significant association of social phobia with age and gender (p-value≤0.05). Conclusion: The findings imply a significant correlation between IGA and psychological concerns, particularly among male adolescents. Excessive internet gaming use leads to higher levels of social anxiety.

Quantitative Study About the Impact of Internet on Students Academic Performance in UAF

The rapid proliferation of internet access among university students has significantly influenced their academic behaviors. This study examines the impact of internet usage on the academic performance of students at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). Utilizing a simple random sampling technique, data were collected from 140 students through a structured questionnaire. The analysis, conducted using SPSS, revealed that 53.6% of the respondents were male and 46.4% were female, with the majority spending an average of 3 hours daily on internet activities. A substantial proportion of students (70.9%) acknowledged that excessive internet use, particularly for non-academic purposes, has a detrimental effect on their cumulative grade point average (CGPA). Meanwhile, 22.1% remained neutral, and 10% disagreed with this assertion. These findings underscore the need for balanced internet usage among students to enhance academic outcomes.

CORRELATION BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS SUCH AS DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND STRESS AND AFFECT SCORE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Objectives: In the modern era, internet use has turned out to be a significant arena for day-to-day life activities. Proper use of the internet is harmless, but misuse of this tool might lead to disruptions in psychological health and social relationships, yet available reports about the association between internet use and affect are inconsistent. Hence, the objective is to assess and correlate the psychological parameters with the affect score among medical college students using the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS)-21 questionnaire and positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS) scale. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted on medical students in the age group of 17–22 years. 150 participants were recruited by random sampling. DASS-21 scale was used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress, consisting of 21 items designed to measure emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress. PANAS is designed to assess individuals’ positive and negative moods. Results: Pearson’s correlation of these psychological parameters with affect scores had a significant negative correlation with the positive affect score (depression [p=0.003], anxiety [p=0.01], and stress [p&lt;0.04]) and a significant positive correlation with negative affect score (depression [p&lt;0.02], anxiety [p=0.0009], and stress [p=0.01]). Students should be closely monitored with regard to their use of the internet, and also, internet addiction and psychological behaviors can be reduced by providing early counseling and interventional therapy. Conclusion: Awareness about the harmful effects of excessive internet use should be provided so as to enhance the academic performance of students.

Internet Addiction: Influencing Academic, Non-academic and Psychological Aspects in Offshore Malaysian Medical Students

Excessive internet usage creates abundant problems like dependency and addictive behaviour. Internet addiction (IA) is becoming a universal public health concern. The isolated group of Malaysian students studying in offshore campuses in India is more susceptible to IA due to language, culture, ethnicity, and food habit differences, leading to a lack of communication with native students. The study aims to determine the prevalence of IA and its influence on academic, non-academic, and psychological aspects in Malaysian medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 offshore Malaysian medical students using Young’s Internet Addiction Test (Y-IAT) questionnaire of 20 items. The difference was tested by student’s t-test and the association between IA and other factors by chi-square test with a statistical significance at 5%. The study observed a 46% prevalence of IA in offshore Malaysian medical students. Male students were more prone to IA compared to females. The amount of time spent on entertainment per day was significantly (p = 0.004) associated with IA. The present study revealed that the prevalence of IA was significantly associated with academic performance (χ2 = 33.670, p = 0.001) and psychological disturbances like sleep disturbance due to late-night log-ins (χ2 = 41.013, p = 0.001), felt life would always be joyless (χ2 = 27.272, p = 0.001) and, depressed moody without internet (χ2 = 33.347, p = 0.001). The present study revealed that IA has an adverse impact on students’ academic activities as well as on psychological health. Medical teachers and schools should identify students who are prone to and affected by IA and recommend interventions based on their needs. This study recommends that students utilise their valuable time in offline activities like regular sports, cultural exchange programmes, fun activities, yoga, meditation, and learning new skills and languages. These activities may help students prevent overindulgence with the internet, encourage the overall growth of promising doctors, and build a healthy society.

Dose-Response Associations of Internet Use Time and Internet Addiction With Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Children and Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Study.

Children's lives are increasingly mediated by digital technologies, yet evidence regarding the associations between internet use and depression is far from comprehensive and remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the dose-response association between internet use, including use time and addiction behaviors, and depressive symptoms among children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province. Data were collected from a school-based health survey China Common Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance Among Students, encompassing 21,336 students in Zhejiang Province. The daily internet use time, internet addiction (IA) behaviors, and depressive symptoms were assessed with questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of internet use time and IA behaviors with depressive symptoms among children and adolescents. Restricted cubic spline curves were used to determine the dose-response associations. A total of 6225 (29.2%) students had depressive symptoms. Compared to those reporting no internet use, boys using the internet for >2 hours/day (odds ratio [OR] 1.53, 95% CI 1.34-1.74) and girls using internet for 1.1-2 hours/day (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.39) and >2 hours/day (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.50-1.93) were at higher risks of depressive symptoms. A significant J-shaped association was identified between internet use time and depressive symptoms among children and adolescents, especially in boys and primary school students (nonlinear P values were .006, .003, and <.001, respectively). Increased IA behaviors were associated with a higher odd of depressive symptoms (1 IA behavior: OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.83-2.21; 2 IA behaviors: 2.91, 95% CI 2.57-3.29; and ≥3 IA behaviors: 4.72, 95% CI 4.26-5.22). A positive nonlinear association between the number of IA behaviors and depressive symptoms was found in total population, girls, and primary school students (nonlinear P values were .02, .002, .007, respectively). Findings suggested that excessive internet use time and IA behaviors were significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of interventions to regulate and educate about adequate internet use during childhood and adolescence.

Internet addiction, sleeping habits and psychological distress in Brazilian adolescents and young adults.

The internet is widespread in modern society and has raised concerns about excessive usage and its consequences for different aging groups. This study explores the relationships between internet addiction, sleep patterns, and psychological distress in adolescents and young adults. In order to assess this phenomenon, an exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil from October to December 2023. A questionnaire, administered via Google Forms, collected data from 618 participants aged 15-36. The participants consisted of a non-probabilistic community sample selected based on convenience criteria. Instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and Social Media Engagement Questionnaire. It was categorized 48.1% as having moderate internet addiction, and classified 0.8% as having severe internet addiction. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between internet addiction and depression, anxiety, and stress. Logistic regression identified internet addiction and overall psychological distress as predictors of sleep difficulties, along with unemployment status. The findings highlight the detrimental impact of excessive internet use on sleep quality and mental health. The bidirectional relationship between internet addiction and psychological distress underscores the complex interplay between these variables. This study underscores the urgent need for interventions targeting internet addiction and its associated consequences in adolescents and young adults. Addressing internet addiction levels and promoting healthy internet usage habits are crucial steps in mitigating the adverse effects on mental health and sleep quality. There is a need for targeted interventions, protocols, and preventive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive internet use on mental health and sleep quality. Public health strategies should include IA and its consequences in health programs with multidisciplinary approaches and protocols for treatments for behavioral addictions. The study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of internet addiction and its implications for mental health and sleep patterns.

Depression, Anxiety and Stress with Problematic Internet use Among Youth Attending; A Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Excessive and uncontrolled internet use can significantly impair daily functioning in various life domains. Despite the numerous benefits of the internet, its addictive use is a growing concern, particularly among youth, who are prone to anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. Understanding the current scenario is essential for devising effective interventions, yet no scientific data is available in Bangladesh. Objective: To assess between depression, anxiety, and stress among youth with problematic internet use (PIU) attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, from October 2020 to September 2022. Participants were interviewed using a structured socio-demographic questionnaire, the Bangla versions of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21-BV). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, with significance set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Among the 90 participants (mean age: 21.33 years; 68% male, 32% female), 95% were students, and 87% were from nuclear families. Internet use exceeded one year for 83% of participants. PIU levels were minimal in 15%, moderate in 62%, and excessive in 22%. Severe depression was observed in 15% of participants, severe anxiety in 25%, and severe stress in 25%. Extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were found in 14%, 5%, and 14% of participants, respectively. Significant risk factors for PIU included male gender (χ²=8.217; p=0.02) and over three hours of daily internet use (χ²=35.289; p=0.001). PIU was significantly associated with depression (χ²=20.380; p=0.001), anxiety (χ²=16.159; p=0.019), and stress (χ²=14.734; p=0.019). Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, and stress are significantly associated with PIU. Early risk assessment, proper internet use, and initial screening are essential for managing potential mental disorders linked to PIU.

The Impact of Internet Addiction on Academic Performance Among Medical Students in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study and the Potential Role of Yoga.

Excessive internet use is a growing concern globally, and internet addiction negatively impacts academic performance. Limited research has been conducted on this topic among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of internet addiction and its impact on academic performance among medical students in Bangladesh, with a focus on the role of yoga in reducing Internet addiction as a proposed intervention. A cross-sectional study was conducted among third-year medical students in four colleges in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Simple random sampling techniques were used to select participants, and data were collected using pretested questionnaires and a checklist for office records through face-to-face interviews. SPSS version 25 was used for data processing and analysis. Out of 312 students, 84% were addicted to the internet, and only 16% were normal. In total, 64.4% had good results in the first professional examination, while 35.6% had poor results. In total, 85.9% had good attendance, while 14.1% had poor attendance. The association between internet addiction level and first professional examination results and class attendance was highly significant. This study highlights the high prevalence and negative impacts of internet addiction among medical students in Bangladesh. The study suggests that promoting awareness about healthy technology use, establishing a better balance between internet usage and academic study, and encouraging the practice of yoga can help alleviate this problem. Further research and interventions are needed to tackle this emerging public health issue. Encouraging students to use the internet for academic purposes and providing education and resources can help promote healthy technology use. Healthcare professionals should also be aware of the risks and encourage seeking help if needed.

Parents' Challenges To Stop School-Age Children From Developing An Internet Addiction Through Conscious Parenting And Parental Mediation

Background: In today's digital age, many millennial parents experience conflicts with their children, which can lead to a lack of proper guidance. This often occurs when parents, feeling helpless, try to curb their children's excessive internet use, potentially reducing symptoms of internet addiction. In the context of elementary school students, the purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between attentive parenting, parent mediation, and dependency on the Internet. Methods: This investigation makes use of a cross-sectional design in conjunction with an analytical correlation approach. The sample consists of 119 parents of elementary school students, selected from a population of 169 through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using three questionnaires: the parental model, meditation in parenthood, and online addiction tests. Internet addiction, attentive parenthood, and parent arbitration are investigated. Spearman's Rho was used for data analysis. Result: The results indicated a strong association between parenting intervention and internet addiction, as shown by the Rank Spearman statistical test showing ρ = 0.000 &lt; α = 0.05. Furthermore, the statistical test revealed that the correlation coefficient (ρ) was 0.000, which is less than the significance level (α) of 0.05. This indicates a substantial association between attentive parenting and internet addiction. Conclusion: Internet addiction in primary school-aged children may be avoided with the support of attentive parenthood and mediation by parents. To reduce their child's risk of addiction, parents should supervise their children's internet usage and adopt good parental techniques.

The Effect of Bullying Victimization on Cyberbullying Perpetration in Upper Elementary Students: The Sequential Mediating Effect of Hopelessness and Time Spent Online

Objectives: This study examined the effects of bullying victimization on cyberbullying perpetration and investigated whether hopelessness and time spent online sequentially mediate the relationship between bullying victimization and cyberbullying perpetration among upper elementary students.Methods: The participants were 596 upper elementary school students {5th and 6th graders; 291 boys (48.8%)} from Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. The data were collected through a self-report questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and PROCESS macro version 4.3 (Model 6) by Hayes (2017).Results: First, bullying victimization positively influenced cyberbullying perpetration. Second, the sequential mediating effects of hopelessness and time spent online were significant. Lastly, time spent online mediated the effect of bullying victimization on cyberbullying perpetration, whereas hopelessness did not mediate this effect.Conclusion: These findings indicate a link between bullying victimization and cyberbullying perpetration. Therefore, it is recommended that cyberbullying prevention programs include strategies to reduce bullying victimization. Furthermore, high levels of hopelessness resulting from bullying victimization may lead to excessive internet use, increasing the likelihood of cyberbullying perpetration. Thus, victims need to be informed of about the importance of reporting bullying incidents to adults such as teachers, counselors, or parents. Additionally, if victims already exhibit high levels of hopelessness, it is necessary to encourage them to participate in evidence-based programs. Finally, the significant mediating effect of time spent online suggests that monitoring and intervening in victims’ online activities are crucial for reducing the likelihood of cyberbullying perpetration. These efforts may help prevent victims from spending excessive time online to relieve their hopelessness and from perpetrating cyberbullying.

PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE AND SOCIAL ANXIETY IN LATE ADOLESCENTS SOCIAL MEDIA USERS IN BEKASI CITY

The phenomenon of problematic internet use is one of the phenomena that is rife in late adolescents. This is an important concern for many researchers, especially regarding excessive internet use, especially in accessing social media. This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between problematic internet use and social anxiety in late adolescents who use social media in Bekasi City. This study involved 111 late adolescents in the city of Bekasi who actively used social media for 5 hours or more/day. This research is a quantitative research with a correlational type. The sampling technique uses a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was performed with the correlation technique of Pearson Product Moment using the program SPSS versi 25 for windows. Based on the result of research data analysis the value of corellation coefficient between those two variables is 0,661** with significant degree amount is 0,000, This suggest that there is a a positive relationship between problematic internet use and social anxiety among adolescents. So it can be concluded that the higher the problematic internet use in adolescents, the higher the level of adolescent anxiety.

Thai Students Perspective of Online Learning Media during Covid-19 Pandemic

The present qualitative study explores the perceptions of seven Thai undergraduate students in a university on the online learning medium when the COVID-19 pandemic hit this country. Semi-structured interviews were created to clarify the students' viewpoints on online learning medium. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the transcriptions of the data collected from the online interviews. The study elicits three significant data themes that are connected to the research questions: the Thai students’ perception towards the online learning medium, their preference on the online learning medium, and the problems faced by them along using the online learning medium and the solving. Findings showed that the using of online learning mediums helped Thai students in lecturing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most preferred online learning medium they use is WhatsApp application, followed by Google Meet as the second choice. They prefer WhatsApp to other online learning mediums or applications since it is stable, cheap, and easy to use. They also re-studied the lecturer’s explanation everywhere and anytime. The research found some problems students faced while using Google Meet or Zoom; the most common problem they faced was an unstable connection. While excessive internet data usage was another obstacle faced by them. To solve those problems, they frequently moved to another place providing free Wi-Fi or asked their friends or family to share the hotspot.

Association between internet addiction and musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian medical sciences students

BackgroundThe utilization of the Internet can lead to adverse outcomes in students’ lives. Prolonged Internet usage may result in academic failure, an elevated risk of musculoskeletal problems, and the emergence of issues impacting the lives of students and their peers. This study aimed to explore the relationship between Internet addiction and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among students in the field of medical sciences.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 314 medical sciences students in Semnan, Iran, were assessed using the census sampling method. The participants’ Internet addiction status and the presence of MSDs were determined through Young’s Internet Addiction questionnaire and the Nordic self-report questionnaire, respectively. Data underwent analysis employing logistic regression test to ascertain the relationship between Internet addiction and MSDs.ResultsAmong the 314 participating students in this research, about 21% and 1.6% of the participants were lay open to and suffered from Internet addiction, respectively. Internet addiction was associated with the presence of pain, discomfort, burning, or numbness in the neck, wrist, upper back, hips, and thighs. For each unit increase in the Internet addiction score, the chance of neck and wrist pain rises by 3% compared to a 2% increase in upper back and hip/thigh pain.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that excessive Internet use is linked to a heightened risk of MSDs in medical sciences students. Consequently, it is imperative to raise awareness about these complications and promote the adoption of proper posture when using the Internet. Further research is also warranted among diverse student populations to investigate the impact of Internet addiction.

Cyberchondria, Health Literacy, and Perception of Risk in Croatian Patients with Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The perception of the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a well-researched phenomenon, but not in relation to cyberchondria and health literacy. Therefore, our aim was to examine the association between the assessment of the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, cyberchondria, and health literacy. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 2020-2021 in Croatia. The experimental group consisted of patients from the Centre for Voluntary Counselling and Testing for HIV (N = 134). The control group consisted of other patients recruited from daily epidemiological practices (N = 171). The instruments that were used were questionnaires that measure the perception of risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, health literacy, and cyberchondria. Results: Out of 305 respondents, 134 (43.9%) were in the STI counselling group, and 171 (56.1%) were in the control group. Generally, the participants in the former perceived the risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV to be higher (but still low) than those in the latter. There was no difference in health literacy between the STI and control group; the health literacy score was average in both groups. There were differences in almost all the cyberchondria factors, except for Mistrust. Health literacy, belonging to the STI counselling group, and risk behaviours were positively associated with CH in the logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: People with a risk for STIs tend to minimize this risk, have higher cyberchondria levels, and have average health literacy. Cyberchondria is positively associated with health literacy, and more education about excessive health-related internet research is needed.

Does internet addiction affect the level of emotional intelligence among nursing students? A cross-sectional study

AimTo examine the effect of internet addiction on emotional intelligence among nursing students. Internet addiction, especially among nursing students, is an ongoing and urgent issue globally. Despite studies acknowledging its negative effects, the specific impact on the emotional intelligence of college students is not completely explored and needs more investigation.DesignA correlational cross-sectional descriptive study.MethodsParticipants included 180 nursing students from Mansoura University, Egypt. They completed the Socio-demographic sheet, Internet Addiction Test, and Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data.ResultsNursing students experience a moderate level of internet addiction and a neutral level of emotional intelligence. A significant negative relationship was established between internet addiction among students and their emotional intelligence (r = − 0.53, p < 0.001) and its four facets: perception of emotion, managing own emotions, managing others’ emotions, and utilization of emotion. Regression analysis showed that internet addiction had a negative effect on emotional intelligence among nursing students (β = − 0.553, p < 0.001) and explained 30.5% of the variance of emotional intelligence among nursing students.ConclusionsThe study findings suggest that internet addiction negatively impacts the emotional intelligence of nursing students, which is crucial for effective interpersonal relations and professional competence in nursing.ImplicationsThe study underscores the need for educational programs to raise awareness about the hazards of excessive internet use and to promote activities that mitigate internet addiction.

An international online survey on extent of phubbing and its correlates

Introduction: Phubbing can be described as an individual looking at his or her mobile phone during a conversation with other individuals, dealing with the mobile phone and escaping from interpersonal communication. Being a new concept, research on its correlates is limited. The aims of the study were to find the extent of phubbing and its correlates. Material &amp; Methods: It was an online survey through Google forms with cross-sectional design and convenience sampling. Those above 18 years who were willing to participate and provided consent were included. The questionnaire included socio-demographic and clinical details, Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-4), and couples ‘satisfaction index (CSI) scale. Descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and Pearson's correlation were done. Results: 904 participants (463 from India, 224 from Nepal, 132 from Indonesia, others 85) were included in the study. 2.3% had a higher likelihood of phubbing. The total phubbing score showed a statistically positive significant correlation with the duration of internet use (p&lt;0.001), social media use (p&lt;0.001), and total PHQ score (p&lt;0.001) and statistically negative significant correlation with duration of the relationship (p=0.004), and total CSI score (p&lt;0.001). Phubbing was significantly higher among males (p=0.044), those educated less than graduate level (p=0.012), in a relationship (p=0.009), using psychoactive substances frequently (p=0.001), dissatisfied with the relationship (p=0.024), and among those with anxiety (p&lt;0.001) and depressive symptoms (p&lt;0.001). There was no difference in phubbing in between the countries (p value= 0.193). Conclusion: Prevention and management of phubbing should target those at risk. Focusing on reducing phubbing will improve mental health, couples’ relationship, and reduce excessive internet and social media use.