Prevalence Of Internet Addiction Research Articles

Prevalence, demographics and clinical characteristics of Internet addiction among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia.

Several studies have reported that Internet addiction (IA) is more prevalent in the psychiatric disorder population. However, the prevalence of IA and its relationship with clinical variables among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia is unclear. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of IA and its clinical correlates in Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia, which has not yet been reported. Seven hundred and six inpatient adolescents with schizophrenia were recruited. All patients underwent Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to measure Internet addiction, as well as the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for psychopathology. Our results showed that 186 patients had a total IAT score of 50 or more, bringing the prevalence of IA to 26.3%. Girls (21.7%, 92/424) were less likely to have combined IA than boys (33.3%, 94/282). Compared to those patients without IA, patients with IA had better socioeconomic status, higher probability of living in the city, higher levels of depressive symptoms, excited symptoms, and lower levels of concrete symptoms and PANSS total scores (all p<0.05). Further binary logistic regression analysis indicated that good socioeconomic status, living in the city and PANSS total scores were significantly associated with IA. In addition, correlation analysis showed significant correlations between IA total score and the following parameters: good socioeconomic status, living in the city, negative subscore, concrete subscore, depression subscore, excited subscore and PANSS total score (Bonferroni corrected all p <0.05). The results of this study indicate that the prevalence of IA in Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia is higher than that in the general population. Several demographic and clinical variables are risk factors for IA in adolescents with schizophrenia.

Social Anxiety and Internet Addiction among Primary Health Care Workers at PSMMC, Riyadh

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Internet Addiction (IA) significantly impact the quality of life and professional efficacy among Primary Health Care Workers (PCWs). Given their prevalence and the potential for negative comorbidities, including depression, this study aims to explore the occurrence and correlation of SAD and IA among PCWs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study assessed SAD and IA among 154 PCWs using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). The study was conducted over 12 months from April 2023 to March 2024 at Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), Riyadh; it employed random sampling to ensure diverse participation. The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) and Internet Addiction Test (IAT) questionnaires were used to assess the prevalence of SAD and IA, respectively. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the association between both variables. Results: The study found that 27.3% of participants exhibited some level of social anxiety, while 45% showed signs of IA. Specifically, mild to moderate internet addiction was present in 44.8% of respondents. Only 8.4% of participants fell into the severe category of social anxiety, while severe internet addiction was absent. A significant positive correlation was observed between SAD and IA (r = 0.36, P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, higher income and certain professional roles were associated with lower instances of both conditions. Conclusion: The study highlights the prevalent but primarily mild to moderate levels of SAD and IA among PHCWs, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. While present, these issues may not severely impact PHCWs at PSMMC. The correlation between SAD and IA suggests the internet's dual role as a coping mechanism and potential risk factor, indicating areas for future research and intervention strategies.

Assessment of the Internet Addiction Disorder and its Association with Anxiety and Depression in Young Indian Adults: A Cross Sectional Study

The phenomenon of involuntary engagement with internet devices, accompanied by a sense of emptiness in their absence, characterizes internet addiction disorder. A comprehensive meta-analysis spanning 80 studies worldwide from 1996 to 2012, involving 89,281 participants across 31 countries, revealed a 6% prevalence of this disorder among young individuals globally. A separate study funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) investigated 2,755 participants aged 18-65 in India, finding a prevalence rate of 1.3% for internet addiction. Notably, this disorder has not yet been recognized as Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Numerous studies have examined the prevalence of internet addiction in the Indian population. This current study aimed to assess the prevalence, impact, and available treatment options for internet addiction among Indian adults. Utilizing a cross-sectional, close-ended online survey questionnaire distributed among the general public and experts, a total of 303 responses were collected. The findings revealed that 33.3% of Indian adults were addicted to the internet, with varying degrees of severity: severely (1.7%), moderately (10.2%), and mildly (20.8%) addicted. Notably, most severely addicted individuals (80%) fell within the 26-35 years age range. Male participants exhibited a higher prevalence of internet addiction compared to females (57.1% vs. 42.9%), with males also displaying a greater propensity for addiction (71.9% vs. 28.1%). Further analysis indicated that 11.2% of addicted individuals experienced symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, with males affected at a rate 50% higher than females.

A Cross Sectional Study in Indian Adult Population to Assess the Internet Addiction and its Effect on the Quality of Sleep

A Cross Sectional Study in Indian Adult Population to Assess the Internet Addiction and its Effect on the Quality of Sleep

Digital Interventions for Combating Internet Addiction in Young Children: Qualitative Study of Parent and Therapist Perspectives.

Internet addiction is an emerging mental health issue in this digital age. Nowadays, children start using the internet in early childhood, thus making them vulnerable to addictive use. Previous studies have reported that the risk of internet addiction tends to be higher in lower-income regions with lower quality of life, such as Indonesia. Indonesia has high risks and prevalence of internet addiction, including in children. Digital interventions have been developed as an option to combat internet addiction in children. However, little is known about what parents and therapists in Indonesia perceive about these types of interventions. This study aims to investigate the experiences, perceptions, and considerations of parents and therapists regarding digital interventions for combating internet addiction in young Indonesian children. This study used a qualitative exploratory approach through semistructured interviews. We involved 22 parents of children aged 7 to 11 years and 6 experienced internet addiction therapists for children. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants in this study recognized 3 existing digital interventions to combat internet addiction: Google Family Link, YouTube Kids, and Apple parental control. They perceived that digital interventions could be beneficial in continuously promoting healthy digital behavior in children and supporting parents in supervision. However, the existing interventions were not highly used due to limitations such as the apps' functionality and usability, parental capability, parent-child relationships, cultural incompatibility, and data privacy. The findings suggest that digital interventions should focus not only on restricting and monitoring screen time but also on suggesting substitutive activities for children, developing children's competencies to combat addictive behavior, improving digital literacy in children and parents, and supporting parental decision-making to promote healthy digital behavior in their children. Suggestions for future digital interventions are provided, such as making the existing features more usable and relatable, investigating gamification features to enhance parental motivation and capability in managing their children's internet use, providing tailored or personalized content to suit users' characteristics, and considering the provision of training and information about the use of interventions and privacy agreements.

“Internet Utilization among College Students in China: The Role of Ideological and Political Education in Fostering Academic Performance"

This study investigates internet addiction among third year college students in Yantai City, China, using a Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods Design. The research locale includes four purposefully selected universities (A, B, C, and D) in Y district. A sample of 380 3rd year college students completed the researcher-made Internet Behavior and Academic Performance Assessment Tool (IBAPAT). Furthermore, 12 students participated in a semi-structured interview. Statistical analysis using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANOVA, and MANOVA were used to generate findings based on the collected quantitative data. Meanwhile, thematic analysis of interviews with ideological and political education students was conducted to generate themes and patterns within qualitative data. Objectives include assessing internet addiction prevalence, patterns of utilization, and correlations with academic performance. The study aims to contribute to theoretical research on network ideological and political education, guide social forces, and enhance college students' all-round development. Ethical considerations ensure participant consent, confidentiality, and data protection. The findings will inform interventions to mitigate internet addiction among college students.

Sex differences in prevalence and clinical correlates of internet addiction among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia

BackgroundPatients with schizophrenia (SCZ) exhibit sex differences in various aspects, and patients with SCZ have a high prevalence of internet addiction (IA). However, sex differences in IA among patients with SCZ mostly remain unstudied, particularly in Chinese adolescent patients with SCZ. This study investigated sex differences in prevalence, risk factors, and clinical correlates of IA among Chinese adolescent patients with SCZ.MethodsA total of 706 adolescent patients with SCZ were enrolled in this study using a cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling method. Demographics and clinical data of the patients were collected using a standardized clinical assessment form. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Young’s Internet Addiction Test were used to evaluate psychopathological symptoms and IA respectively.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of IA among Chinese adolescent patients with SCZ was 26.30% (95% CI: 23.09-29.60%). In Chinese adolescents with SCZ, there was a sex difference in the comorbidity of IA (males: 33.33% vs. females: 21.69%). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that IA was significantly predicted by good socioeconomic status in male and female patients with SCZ. City of living and PANSS total score were associated with IA in male patients with SCZ. In contrast, hospitalization rate and depression score were associated with IA in female patients with SCZ.ConclusionOur study suggests sex differences in clinical correlates of IA in Chinese adolescent patients with SCZ. An additional longitudinal study is required to confirm the findings of the present study.

IJCM_351A: A study on Internet use and its association with psychopathology of Sleep among: students at a Government Medical college in Koppal, Karnataka

Background: Internet addiction has become a very common disorder because of which youngsters are wasting a lot of time, becoming irritable and depressed and having poor academic/ work performance and are becoming victims of social isolation. College students have easy access to internet and so there is high chance of higher prevalence of Internet addiction among them. By studying the association of internet usage and its impact on sleep we can set boundaries for early warning signs of underlying psychopathology at the earliest. Objective: The Objectives of the study were: 1) To estimate the prevalence of Internet addiction among medical students in the study setting, 2) To estimate the prevalence of psychopathology in sleep pattern among medical students in the study setting, and 3) To determine the impact of Internet addiction on psychopathology in sleep pattern among them. Methodology: : A cross sectional study was conducted among medical students at a Government Medical college, Koppal, Karnataka for a duration of 3 months from June 2023 to August 2023. Data collection was done using a pretested and semi structured questionnaire (shared through Google form) consisting of questionnaires of Internet addiction test (IAT) to assess Internet use and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess quality of sleep among them along with socio demographic and other relevant details. Statistical analysis was done using WHO Epi info software version 3.5.4. Results: The prevalence of Internet addiction among medical students was 286 (57.2%) and was found to be mild, moderate and severe in 214 (42.8%), 68 (13.6%) and 4 (0.8%) of students respectively. Quality of sleep was disturbed in 270 (54%) of students according to PSQI. The study found significant association between Internet addiction among medical students and quality of sleep among them Conclusion: Need for Behavior change communication strategies to reduce unnecessary use of Internet.

Role of gender difference in Internet addiction and its association with family interaction among students

Abstract Introduction: Internet addiction (IA) has become a serious behavioral addiction pandemic. IA may potentially affect academic performance and family dynamics. Gender and geographic differences also exist in the ways that people use the Internet for entertainment. This study was conducted to evaluate if gender difference plays a role in IA. Objectives: To determine the association between gender with internet addiction and family interaction among the undergraduate college students and to find the prevalence of internet addiction among them. Materials and Methods: A sample of 252 currently enrolled undergraduate students, between 18 and 23 years of age, were included from three programs (Arts, Science, and Commerce) at a University in Odisha. Data were collected using the IA test (IAT) and the family interaction questionnaire (FIQ). Data were compiled into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Epi-info software. Descriptive data were interpreted as frequencies and percentages. The independent t-test was used to compare the mean scores between IA and family interaction. The Chi-square test was used to test association. A P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 113 (44.8%) males and 55.2% (139) females. The prevalence of IA was 64.8%. Female students had slightly higher mean IAT and FIQ scores than males. The difference in mean scores determined by independent t-tests between the genders was not statistically significant for both IAT (P = 0.054) and FIQ (P = 0.2). There was no significant association between gender with IA levels (P = 0.1507) and family interaction levels (P = 0.6125). Conclusion: The current study revealed there was IA in almost two-thirds of undergraduate students. There was a minor gender difference in IA and family interaction levels among the college students. It is crucial to educate the future generation, parents, and educators about the dangers of IA and the importance of family interaction in managing the problem.

Internet Addiction and Its Effect on Sleep Quality Among Medical Students

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of internet addiction in medical school students, and to examine the relationship between internet addiction and sleep quality, sleepiness and psychological resilience. Method: The study was conducted with 213 participants studying at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Faculty of Medicine. A sociodemographic questionnaire, Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Brief Psychological Resilience Scale were applied to all participants, and the results were statistically evaluated. Results: The average age of the participants was found as 21.25±2.00. 65.3% (n=139) of the participants were women and 27.2% (n=58) were first-year students. The average score of Young's internet addiction was 27.15±7.35; the average Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was 5.49±2.47. 60% of them were evaluated as having poor sleep quality. Average Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores were 6.62±4.22; average scores of the Psychological Resilience Scale were 19.35±5.04. There was a positive and significant relationship between Young Internet Addiction and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality. As internet addiction increased, sleep quality decreased. A negative significant relationship was found between Young's Internet Addiction and the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale. As internet addiction increased, psychological resilience decreased. Conclusion: In our study, it was determined that as internet addiction increased, sleep quality and psychological resilience decreased, and daytime sleepiness increased. We can improve sleep quality by preventing internet addiction, and increase participation in daily activities and psychological resilience by reducing daytime sleepiness. Keywords: internet addiction disorder, sleeplessness, resiliency, psychological

Trait anxiety and corresponding neuromarkers predict internet addiction: A longitudinal study.

The high prevalence of internet addiction (IA) has become a worldwide problem that profoundly affects people's mental health and executive function. Empirical studies have suggested trait anxiety (TA) as one of the most robust predictors of addictive behaviors. The present study investigated the neural and socio-psychological mechanisms underlying the association between TA and IA. Firstly, we tested the correlation between TA and IA. Then we investigated the longitudinal influence of TA on IA using a linear mixed effect (LME) model. Secondly, connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) was employed to explore neuromarkers of TA, and we tested whether the identified neuromarkers of TA can predict IA. Lastly, stressful life events and default mode network (DMN) were considered as mediating variables to explore the relationship between TA and IA. A significant positive correlation between TA and IA was found and the high TA group demonstrated higher IA across time. CPM results revealed that the functional connectivity of cognitive control and emotion-regulation circuits and DMN were significantly correlated with TA. Furthermore, a significant association was found between the neuromarkers of TA and IA. Notably, the CPM results were all validated in an independent sample. The results of mediation demonstrated that stressful life events and correlated functional connectivity mediated the association between TA and IA. Findings of the present study facilitate a deeper understanding of the neural and socio-psychological mechanisms linking TA and IA and provide new directions for developing neural and psychological interventions.

The longitudinal associations between internet addiction and ADHD symptoms among adolescents.

Internet addiction has been linked to ADHD-related symptoms. However, the direction of the relationship and its potential for reciprocal relations is not well understood. This study examined the potential reciprocal relations between the three components of ADHD and Internet addiction, as well as the moderating effects of gender on these relations. Using a longitudinal design, we collected data of 865 Chinese adolescents across three waves (Mage = 13.78, SD = 1.56 in wave 1), with a time interval of 6 months. Cross-lagged analyses revealed bidirectional associations between hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, and Internet addiction over time. Multi-group analyses did not yield any significant gender differences in these relationships. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex link between ADHD components and Internet addiction and have implications for interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of Internet addiction and ADHD.

Prevalence and Determinants of Internet Addiction in Medical Students at a Government Medical College in Uttar Pradesh, India

Introduction: The issue of Internet addiction is rampant amongst medical students as they are vulnerable due to personal, social and academic pressure. It is plausible to foresee a future where this seemingly harmless pastime leads to dire consequences on the mental as well as physical well-being of students.Objectives: This study aims to find out the prevalence of internet addiction among undergraduate students. The study also aims to figure out various determinants and factors that are associated with addiction, such as gender differences, the professional year of the medical student and the main purpose of internet use.Methods: A study was conducted at LLRM Medical College, Meerut, and it included 354 students selected by simple random sampling. They filled out a questionnaire with the first part regarding socio-demographic details and the second part of it is Young’s internet addiction test. According to the score, the students were categorized into normal users (&lt;30), mild addiction (30–50), moderate addiction (50–80) and severe addiction (80–100).Results and discussion: Out of 354 students, 31.63% are mildly addicted, 33.05% are moderately addicted and 3.96% are severely addicted. The remaining 31.35% comprises the normal users. Therefore, a total of 68.64% of students are addicted. The factors associated with a higher risk of addiction are found to be male gender, using social media and first year of college.Conclusion: The increasing prevalence of internet addiction should prove eye-opening for medical students to make better use of their free time by doing productive activities. They must keep an active check regarding their daily screen time.

Prevalence and network analysis of internet addiction, depression and their associations with sleep quality among commercial airline pilots: A national survey in China

ObjectiveAirline pilots are members of a unique occupational group that is often confronted with sleep routine disruptions, yet relatively few studies have examined their mental health status. This study assessed the prevalence and network structure of internet addiction, depression and sleep quality problems in commercial airline pilots. MethodA total of 7055 airline pilots were included in analyses. Internet addiction and depression were measured with the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The network model was constructed based on an Ising model and its association with sleep quality was evaluated using a flow procedure. ResultsInternet addiction, depression and sleep quality were common among airline pilots. The prevalence of internet addiction was 8.0 % (95 % CI: 7.3–8.6 %), while the rates of depression and poor sleep quality were 23.3 % (95 % CI: 22.3–24.2 %) and 33.0 % (95 % CI: 31.9–34.1 %), respectively. In the depression and internet addiction network model, “Fatigue” (PHQ4; Expected Influence (EI): 2.04) and “Depressed/moody/nervous only while being offline” (IAT20; EI: 1.76) were most central symptoms while “Fatigue” (PHQ4; Bridge EI: 1.30) was also the most important bridge symptom. The flow network model of sleep quality with internet addiction and depression showed that “Appetite” (PHQ5) had the strongest positive association with poor sleep quality. ConclusionInternet addiction, depression and sleep quality were common among airline pilots and warrant regular screening and timely treatment. Strategies to improve sleep hygiene may be useful in preventing onsets or exacerbations in depression and internet addiction among airline pilots.

The Prevalence and Correlates of Internet Addiction in India as Assessed by Young’s Internet Addiction Test: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Earlier research on internet addiction (IA) in the adult population in India has concentrated on isolated prevalence surveys conducted nationwide. A systematic grasp of pooled prevalence necessitates a meta-level evaluation of all prior literature. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of IA and its correlates among adults in India. Methods: We searched EBSCOhost, PubMed, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and ProQuest for the studies published from 1990 to 2022 and included studies using Young’s Internet Addiction Test criteria (age range 18–40 years). The authors obtained a total of 358 non-duplicate records after a thorough search, and they found 10 pertinent epidemiological studies involving 12,286 adults. Results: The pooled prevalence for mild, moderate, severe, and any level of IA was 36.33% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.72%–42.13%), 18.04% (95% CI: 13.49%–23.08%), 0.88% (95% CI:0.50%–1.36%), and 58.34% (95% CI:49.34%–67.07%), respectively. The review of correlates suggested psychosocial factors like male gender, single-parent families, co-morbidities like depression, stress, anxiety, interpersonal issues, andmediating factors like loneliness. Conclusions: Based on the synthesis of findings, this review underlines the common factors of IA and emphasizes the significance of psycho-social factors in IA; thus, to promote healthy use of technology and to manage IA, a multi-modal psychotherapeutic intervention module for mental health practitioners needs to be developed in line with this review.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Medical Students in Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Internet addiction has been studied extensively worldwide and shown to have adverse social, psychological, and functional consequences. It has become a global health issue, particularly among young adults. Unfortunately, few studies have been conducted among medical students in Sudan. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of internet addiction and determine its associated risk factors among medical students in Sudan. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students using a systematic sampling technique. An online structured questionnaire was used, which included sociodemographic data and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to assess the presence and severity of internet addiction, as well as the Kessler Questionnaire to assess psychological distress. Results Among the 307 medical students who participated in this study, 63.8% (n=196) were female. The majority 78.5% (n=242) were aged 18-22 years, and the prevalence of internet addiction was 75.5% (n=232). The addiction levels were as follows: mild, 39.7% (n=122); moderate, 33.2% (n=102); and severe, 2.6% (n=8). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that being a female medical student was associated with a 1.9 times higher risk of internet addiction (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.87, p = 0.033). Psychological distress was associated with a 6.368-fold higher risk of internet addiction compared to non-distressed students (AOR = 6.368, p < 0.001). Additionally, students in the clinical years had a lower risk of internet addiction, specifically in the fourth and fifth years (AOR = 0.325, p = 0.010; AOR = 0.398, p = 0.043, respectively). Conclusions This study found a high prevalence of internet addiction among medical students at the National University, Khartoum, Sudan, which was strongly associated with mental distress. Effective awareness programs, potentially initiated by educational authorities, are required to educate students on limiting excessive internet usage and addressing associated risk factors. Future research should include longitudinal and multi-university studies to obtain more generalizable results and toinvestigate the relationship between internet addiction and mental distress more robustly.

Internet addiction among MBBS students at a New Delhi medical college: Prevalence and determinants of a silent pandemic.

The 21st century has witnessed a surge in global internet usage, particularly in developing nations like India. Internet addiction, also known as pathological internet use (PIU) or internet addiction (IA), has emerged as a mental health concern, especially among university students. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IA among MBBS students in a medical college in Delhi, India, and explore the association of IA with sociodemographic and internet usage patterns. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 300 undergraduate medical students. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which included the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) developed by Dr. Kimberley Young. The IAT measures various aspects of internet use, and scores are categorized as normal user, mild addiction, moderate addiction, and severe addiction. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. The mean age of onset of internet use was 14.4 ± 1.6 years. Smartphones were the most common devices used for internet access (96.3%), and the mean daily internet usage was 2.9 h ± 0.9 (standard deviation [SD]). The study found that 70.7% of students maintained a permanent login status. The majority of subjects used the Internet for coursework (89.7%) and information searches (88.7%). The prevalence of IA was significant, with 90% of participants being addicted to varying degrees. The grading of IA revealed 10% with no addiction, 54.6% with mild addiction, 32% with moderate addiction, and 3.3% with severe addiction. IA is a prevalent public health concern among medical students in Delhi, with a majority of participants being addicted to some extent. Females showed a higher proportion of addiction compared to males. Certain internet activities, such as social networking and watching online videos, were significantly associated with IA. The study highlights the need for recognizing IA as a public health concern and further research to understand its impact on the youth. Longitudinal studies are recommended to observe the development and progression of IA over time.

Epidemiology and Related Factors of Internet Addiction with Emphasizing the Role of Feeling Loneliness and Interpersonal Problems in University Students

Background: Internet addiction is recognized as a global public health issue, with high prevalence among medical students. The identification of risk factors related to Internet addiction is crucial for reducing its prevalence and severity. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the epidemiology and related factors to Internet addiction, emphasizing the role of feeling loneliness and interpersonal problems. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2022, involving 414 students from the Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Young’s Internet addiction questionnaire, along with the assessments of interpersonal problems and loneliness, was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics (including correlation coefficients and hierarchical regression) were applied using SPSS software (version 22), with a significance level set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: All students had internet addiction; nevertheless, the majority (82.4%) of them were in the range of mild addiction, and none of them had severe Internet addiction. The average score of Internet addiction was 51.59 (4.77), which shows moderate Internet addiction among students. Internet addiction had a positive and significant relationship with students’ lodging (dormitory), feelings of loneliness, and interpersonal problems; however, there was no correlation with age, gender, marital status, major, and academic year. Conclusions: The prevalence of Internet addiction was significantly higher in the present study than in previous studies, serving as a critical warning for health practitioners and planners. Notably, the highest level of addiction observed was at a mild level, necessitating early intervention to prevent further escalation. Considering the correlation between Internet addiction and students’ lodging (dormitory), feelings of loneliness, and interpersonal problems, it is imperative to explore alternative activities within dormitories and provide regular psychological counseling for the early detection of these issues.

Gender differences in adverse childhood experiences, resilience and internet addiction among Tunisian students: Exploring the mediation effect.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are a common public health issue with a variety of consequences, including behavioral addiction such as Internet Addiction (IA). Despite widespread recognition of this issue, the underlying mechanisms are not well studied in recent literature. Additionally, studies have indicated gender disparities in the prevalence and manifestation of ACEs and IA. The objective of this study was to investigate the mediating effect of resilience on the link between ACEs and IA among high-school students according to gender in Mahdia city (Tunisia). We conducted a cross-sectional survey for two months (January- February 2020), among 2520 schooled youth in Mahdia city (Tunisia). The Arabic-language edition of the World Health Organisation ACE questionnaire was used. The validated Arabic versions of the Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale and the Internet Addiction Test were the screening tools for resilience and IA. Data were analyzed according to gender. The majority of youth (97.5%) were exposed to at least one ACE with the most prevalent being emotional neglect (83.2%). Exposure to extra-familial ACEs was also high reaching 86.9% with higher rates among boys for all types of social violence. Internet addiction was common among students (50%) with higher prevalence for boys (54.4% vs 47.7%for girls, p = 0.006). Resilience scores were86.43 ± 9.7 for girls vs 85.54 ± 9.79 for boys. The current study showed that resilience mediated the link between ACEs, especially intrafamilial violence, and internet addiction (%mediated = 15.1). According to gender, resilience had a significant mediating role on internet addiction for girls (%mediated = 17) and no significant role for boys. The mediating effect of resilience in the relationship between ACEs and cyberaddiction among schooled adolescents in the region of Mahdia (Tunisia) has been identified.

Prevalence and correlates of internet addiction among undergraduate health sciences students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

The internet is an essential aspect of our daily life, and its binge has resulted in internet addiction. Students are vulnerable to internet addiction, since they utilize it for academic and extracurricular objectives. Problematic internet use can predispose individuals to mental illnesses. We aim to determine the prevalence of internet addiction among undergraduate health sciences students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study, using a multistage sampling technique. The Young Internet Addiction Test was used to obtain the data, which was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 for Windows. The frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. A chi-square was used to compare the categorical variables, and a p-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant. A total of 294 students were interviewed, with a mean age and standard deviation of 24±2.9 years, and a male-to-female ratio of 2.3:1. Approximately, 42% of the students had mild internet addiction, and 13% had moderate internet addiction. A significant association was found between the severity of internet addiction and time spent on the internet per day. More than half of the students had mild to moderate internet addiction, which was associated with the time spent on the internet. Internet addiction among health sciences students is common and requires prompt intervention.