Young's Internet Addiction Test Research Articles

Internet addiction and relationships with depression, anxiety, stress and academic performance among Egypt pharmacy students: a cross-sectional designed study.

Background and AimsPharmacy students represent the future of healthcare professionals and with daily use of the internet for different activities has made internet addiction (IA) of a growing concern. The main objectives of this study were to 1) assess internet addiction among pharmacy undergraduate students as well as factors associated with it; 2) assess the relationships between internet addiction and common mental disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress), in addition to academic performance and body mass index factors.MethodsWe utilized a cross-sectional questionnaire that was conducted among 808 students of Egypt university pharmacy students across the country. The surveys used included: Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS 21).ResultsYIAT average score was 44.75 (19.72%); prevalence rate of potential IA was 311 (38.5%) with no gender significant difference. We couldn’t detect any type of correlation between potential IA and GPA. However, a robust correlation was found between internet addiction vs depression, anxiety and stress collectively.ConclusionsInternet addiction is usually associated with mental related disorders thus it is of paramount important to identify it among students. Different therapeutic interventions could include management to IA and common psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

Effect of Exercise Intervention on Internet Addiction and Autonomic Nervous Function in College Students.

Objective To investigate the effects of 12-week physical exercise (jogging, basketball, and outdoor training) on sleep quality, harmful mood, and heart rate variability (HRV) in college students with Internet addiction. Methods 46 college students with Internet addiction were chosen and then randomly assigned to the Internet addiction group (IA, n = 23) and the Internet addiction exercise group (IA+EX, n = 23). The subjects in the IA+EX group underwent physical exercise for 12 weeks (three times per week), and the IA group did not perform regular physical exercise during the experiment. Then, the degree of Internet addiction, depression, and sleep quality were evaluated by using Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI); HRV were measured by using Polar Team 2 before and after physical exercise intervention. Results (1) After the 12-week exercise, compared to preexercise intervention, the scores of IAT, CES-D, and PSQI significantly decreased (t = 12.183, 9.238, 5.660; P < 0.01) in the IA+EX group; compared with the IA group, the scores of IAT, CES-D, and PSQI significantly decreased (t = 2.449, 3.175, 4.487; P < 0.05, P <0.01) in IA+EX group college students with Internet addiction. (2) After the 12-week exercise, compared to preexercise intervention, LFn and the ratio of LF/HF significantly decreased (t = 5.650, 3.493; P < 0.01) and HFn significantly increased (t = −2.491, P < 0.05) in the IA+EX group; there were no significant differences in the above indexes before and after the experiment in the IA group (P > 0.05). Compared with the IA group, HFn significantly increased (t = 3.616, P < 0.01) and the ratio of LF/HF significantly decreased (t = 2.099, P < 0.01) in IA+EX group college students with Internet addiction; there was no significant difference in LFn between the two groups. Conclusion Long-term physical exercise could significantly reduce the degree of Internet addiction and depression, improve sleep quality, and balance sympathetic parasympathetic function of college students with Internet addiction, indicating that exercise-based intervention might be an effective way to alleviate or even eliminate Internet addiction.

Cross-sectional and prospective association between internet addiction and risk of fatigue among Chinese college students.

Severe internet addiction (IA) is associated with a higher risk of musculoskeletal pain, but whether there is a significant prospective association between IA and fatigue is unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between IA and fatigue level among Chinese college students. A cross-sectional (n = 1011) and prospective study (n = 653) was conducted to examine the association between IA and risk of fatigue. IA was measured using Young internet addiction test. Fatigue level was evaluated using the Chalder fatigue scale. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed a cross-sectional association between IA and the risk of fatigue. The odds ratios (95% CIs) of fatigue for normal, mild, and moderate to severe groups were 1.00 (reference), 1.88 (1.20, 2.95), and 5.60 (3.33, 9.42), respectively (P for trend: <0.001). Similarly, multivariate logistic regression analyses also revealed a significant prospective relationship between IA and the risk of fatigue during the 1-year follow-up period. The odds ratios (95% CIs) of fatigue for normal, mild, and moderate to severe groups were 1.00 (reference), 1.56 (0.67, 3.67), and 3.29 (1.08, 10.04), respectively (P for trend: 0.046). Our findings indicate that IA is positively related to risk of fatigue among Chinese college students. Further interventional studies are needed to explore the causality underlying the effects of IA on fatigue.

Internet addiction in adolescent psychiatric patient population: A hospital-based Study from China.

Internet is gradually reshaping adolescents' behaviors in China. It is important to identify the prevalence and risk factors to predict Internet addiction among adolescent psychiatric patients. The survey was conducted among inpatient or outpatient adolescent patients with mental disorders. All participants were interviewed face-to-face and completed Young Internet Addiction Test and other relevant assessments. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to exam between-group differences of internet addiction. The prevalence for internet addiction (mild to severe) in adolescent psychiatric patients was 80.2%, where the prevalence for "medium and severe internet addiction was 25.5%. Logistic regression analysis identified two independent predictors for "medium and severe internet addiction" including the total score of Adolescent Non-suicidal-self-injury (NSSI) Behavior Function Assessment Scale (ANBFAS) and the diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (R2 =0.27, p = .02 for total ANBFAS score, p = .01 for GAD) in psychiatric adolescent patients. The prevalence of internet addiction is notably high among adolescent psychiatric patients in China. Coping for Internet addiction in adolescent psychiatric patients should conclude the coping of NSSI and GAD.

Problematic Internet Use Among School-Going Adolescents in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Problematic internet use (PIU) among school going adolescents constitutes a major area of concern. However, no comprehensive reports are available to determine the magnitude of the problem. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of PIU among school going adolescents in India. We conducted a systematic review and meta analysis of 15 studies conducted in various parts of India. The prevalence of moderate and severe PIU among Indian school going adolescents was 21.5% (95% CI: 17.0%-26.8%) and 2.6% (95% CI: 1.6%-4.2%) based on the Young Internet Addiction Test (Y IAT) cutoff points of 50 and 80, respectively. In subgroup analysis, it was found that the year of publication, gender, sampling method, and severity of addiction had a significant effect on the prevalence estimates. Currently, the use of the internet is rampant in India and our findings reflect nationally representative data on the magnitude of PIU among school going adolescents. About one fifth of school going adolescents are at risk of PIU in this setting. There is a need for further research in the reconsideration of cut off points of the Y IAT among Indian adolescents.

The Association Between Internet Addiction and Social Anxiety Among Adolescents: A cross sectional study from Dharan

Introduction: Internet addiction is an increasingly prevalent phenomenon affecting both social and psychological aspects of an individual. Internet addiction is thought to be the result of cognitive distortions such as those seen in social anxiety. In light of this theory, this study is an attempt to see if there is an association between internet addiction and social anxiety.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among students from class 10-12 of a school in Dharan using convenient sampling method. The students were evaluated using the Young Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the SPIN Inventory. Descriptive data was analysed using number and percentage. Association between IAT and SPIN was assessed using chi square test. Correlation between the IAT and SPIN scores was assessed using Pearson correlation.&#x0D; Result: Of the 245 students, 52.7% were female and 38.4% were from class 10. 44.9% students had mild internet addiction 29.4% had moderate and 0.4% had severe level of internet addiction. 57.4% students had both internet addiction and social anxiety (p &lt; 0.01). There was a small positive correlation between IAT and SPIN scores (r value 0.3, p value &lt; 0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: Internet addiction and social anxiety are significantly associated with each other. Further studies need to be carried out to establish the cause-effect relationship.

The prevalence of internet addiction and its association with quality of life among clinically stable patients with major depressive disorder

BackgroundInternet addiction (IA) is associated with mental health problems but its impact on quality of life (QOL) is understudied. We examined the prevalence of IA and its association with QOL in clinically stable patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey between September 2020 and July 2021, the Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief version scale (WHOQOL-BREF) were administered to 1267 patients with MDD. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of IA, while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine the association between IA and QOL." ResultsThe prevalence of IA (IAT total scores ≥50) was 27.2 % (95 % CI: 24.7 %–29.6 %) in MDD patients. Compared to patients without IA, those with IA had lower QOL (F(1, 1267) = 19.1, P < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that higher education (senior high school and above; OR = 1.85, 95 % CI: 1.13–3.03), family history of psychiatric disorders (OR = 1.72, 95 % CI: 1.08–2.73), and higher PHQ-2 total score (OR = 1.23, 95 % CI: 1.14–1.32) were positively associated with IA while older age (OR = 0.93, 95 % CI: 0.91–0.96) was inversely related to IA. ConclusionIA is much more common in clinically stable patients with MDD compared to the reported figures in the general population. It would be prudent to screen and monitor internet use in MDD patients and treat those with IA.

Mother's and Father's Migrating in China: Differing Relations to Mental Health and Risk Behaviors Among Left-Behind Children.

BackgroundIn China, the figure for left-behind children (LBC) of migrants stood at 68. 77 million in 2015. Despite being seen as a whole in the last few decades, LBC today differ broadly in parental migrating status. This study focused on LBC with both parents migrating (BLBC), LBC with only mothers migrating (MLBC), LBC with only fathers migrating (FLBC), and previous LBC with one or both parents migrating (PLBC), separately. We aimed at exploring the extent to which LBC were being affected by each migrant parent on both mental health and risk behaviors.MethodsData from 4,832 children were collected by a school-based survey in both rural and urban areas of China's Anhui province. Each participant anonymously completed a self-administered questionnaire containing the sociodemographics, the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the items from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), and Young's Internet Addiction Test for Chinese (YIAT-C). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Chi-squared test. Associations were estimated by multiple linear regression and logistic regression analyses adjusted for several confounders.ResultsThe results suggested that BLBC (p < 0.001), MLBC (p < 0.05), FLBC (p < 0.01), and PLBC (p < 0.001) significantly scored higher for total difficulties along with emotional symptoms and conduct problems than never left-behind children (NLBC). Besides, BLBC, FLBC, and PLBC further reported a significantly higher rate of smoking (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively) and drinking (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively) than did NLBC. Also, MLBC appeared higher risks of smoking problems [OR = 2.31, 95% CI (1.45–3.69), p < 0.001] and the internet addiction [OR = 2.15, 95% CI (1.24–3.72), p < 0.01], when compared to NLBC.ConclusionsThe findings provided insight into LBC within the different contexts of parental migrations and contributed to a better understanding of their specific and potentially persistent health risks. Correspondingly, the study highlighted the implications for differentiating LBC to capture the more vulnerable group and tailored interventions to prioritize.

The unbalanced behavioral activation and inhibition system sensitivity in internet gaming disorder: Evidence from resting-state Granger causal connectivity analysis

BackgroundPatients with behavioral or substance addiction show an unbalanced behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS) sensitivity. However, the relationship between internet gaming disorder (IGD) and BAS/BIS is obscure and the neurobiological mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. MethodsWe recruited 154 IGDs and 229 recreational game users (RGUs) in the current study. First, we explored the relationship between BAS/BIS and IGD. Second, subjects were subdivided into subgroups by BAS/BIS sensitivity. Third, whole-brain Granger causal connectivity (GCC) of striatum and amygdala subdivisions was estimated for the subgroup. Fourth, mediation analysis was performed to explore the role of connectivity in the relationship between IGD and BAS/BIS sensitivity. ResultsWe found the IGD group scored higher than the RGU on BIS and BASf (fun-seeking) sensitivity. Then, we identified 4 (2*2) subgroups: low/high risk of IGD with low/high BAS/BIS sensitivity groups. Two-way ANCOVA main results of interaction effects showed that in the high BAS/BIS group, the RGU exhibited increased strength in the GCC from the left putamen to the right cuneus, and the IGD exhibited decreased strength in the GCC from the right medial frontal gyrus to the caudate, from the left superior frontal gyrus to the centromedial amygdala, and from the right superior parietal lobule to the left laterobasal amygdala. Moreover, the GCC from the centromedial amygdala to the middle frontal gyrus mediated the directional relationship between BIS and IAT (Young's internet addiction test) scores. ConclusionsThe IGD individuals exhibited higher BIS and BAS-fun seeking sensitivity. Moreover, IGD with unbalanced BAS/BIS sensitivity exhibited alternative connectivity patterns involving amygdala and striatum subdivisions. These findings suggest a neurobiological mechanism for an alternation between IGD and RGU with different BAS/BIS sensitivity.

Smartphone Addiction and Its Associated Factors Among Tehran University Students

AimsSmartphone addiction is a new concern due to its progressive global usage. Since this phenomenon occurs in adolescents and young people, especially in students, causing many problems in interpersonal relationships, occupational and educational performances, evaluation of smartphone addiction in this population seems to be necessary. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the prevalence of smartphone addiction in Tehran university students for determining the risk factors associated with this issue.MethodsThis analytical cross-sectional survey was carried out on university students in Tehran between 2016–2018. A study sample of 382 students from various faculties of Tehran universities was chosen by random multi-stage cluster sampling. The participants simultaneously completed a researcher-made questionnaire on demographic characteristics and risk factors, the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT). After checking the smartphone addiction questionnaire, smartphone-addicted individuals were identified, and a comparison with the non-addicted group was performed in terms of risk factors.In this study, the participants were given written consent forms. Questionnaires were anonymous and the information was kept confidential. This study was registered at the Ethics Committee of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences with a code of 1395,309.ResultsOur findings indicated that the frequency of smartphone addiction was 28.8%. The frequency of smartphone addiction in women (32.5%) was higher than that in men (23%) (p = 0.04). The highest incidence of smartphone addiction occurred in the age range of less than 20 while the lowest was found above the age of 40. (P = 0.001). The prevalence of smartphone addiction in the single population was 34.1% Vs 16.1% in married. (P = 0.000) The most prominent educational field of smartphone addicts was technical and engineering. (P = 0.007). Smartphone addiction was significantly more in internet service and social networking users. (P = 0.025) There was a significant relationship between the history of psychiatric illness and smartphone addiction. (P = 0.035) The most common psychiatric diseases were found to be obsessive-compulsive disorder (41.7%), followed by anxiety disorders. (33.3%)ConclusionSmartphone addiction has a significant frequency among university students in Tehran, associated with access to internet services and social networking. It was more common in women, single adults, and younger ages. There was a significant relationship between the history of psychiatric illness and smartphone addiction. The highest frequency of psychiatric illnesses in the addiction group was obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders. No relationship was found between smartphone addiction and history of substance use, as well as smoking and alcohol.

Personality Traits of Croatian University Students with Internet Addiction.

Specific personality traits may predispose individuals to various forms of addictive behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the association between personality traits of university students and Internet addiction (IA). A sample of 1051 university students was recruited from the largest university in Eastern Croatia. A structured anonymous questionnaire that included questions regarding students’ sociodemographic information and Internet usage patterns, the Young Internet Addiction Test and Big Five Inventory served as a research tool. The study revealed that 1.0% of the studied sample expressed severe IA while 24.6% of study participants expressed some signs of addiction. The IA was detected in 576 (80.0%) students who used the Internet mainly for social networking, in 30 (78.9%) students who mainly used it for online gaming, and in 153 (52.2%) students who mainly used it for university assignments (p < 0.001). Higher neuroticism, higher extraversion, and higher openness to new experiences were connected with IA in general (p < 0.001). Higher neuroticism, higher extraversion, and higher openness to new experiences were significantly associated with addictive behavior during social networking (p < 0.001). Higher extraversion and higher openness to new experiences were significantly associated with addictive behavior during Internet usage for university assignments (p = 0.025), while there were no significant associations between specific personality traits and addictive behavior during online gaming (p = 0.059). Personality traits must be taken into account while developing programs and implementing interventions for preventing IA in the university student population.

Cognitive Control and Judicial Bias of Adolescents with and without Internet Addiction: A Comparative Study

Cognitive control is the intrapersonal conflicts between logic and lust, cognition and incentive, planning and internal action, which results in the dominance of the first part of each pair over the second part. A cognitive bias refers to a type of cognitive vulnerability in information processing. Today, the Internet has tied with human life, but addiction to the internet has adverse effects on people especially adolescents who have no skill in cognitive control. This study aimed to determine the difference between cognitive control and judicial bias in two groups of adolescents with and without internet addiction. The population consisted of male and female second-grade high school students in district 2 of Tehran in 2020-2021. The sample size was 16000 students. 18 schools were selected using the random clustering sampling method. The research tools were the Young internet addiction test (1999), Grasmic et al (1993) self-control scale, and Foa et al (1996) negative social probability scale. The data were analyzed by SPSS 26 using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results showed that the total mean score of cognitive control in the groups of adolescents with internet addiction was lower than adolescents without internet addiction. The comparison of subscales indicated that, except for the subscale of Preferences for physical activities, there were significant differences in the subscales of impulsiveness, convenience, risk-taking, self-centeredness, and expressing anger (P≤0.01). The mean scores of these variables were higher in the group of adolescents with internet addiction. Regarding the variable of judicial bias, the Mann-Whitney U test showed that the mean scores of the adolescents with internet addiction were higher than those of the adolescents without internet addiction, and the addicted adolescents showed more judicial biases (P≤0.01). The results revealed the requirement to perform strategies to prevent and cope with internet addiction.

The predictive role of tendency toward mobile learning and emotional intelligence in Internet addiction in healthcare professional students.

Introduction: Internet addiction is a psychological disorder that can lead to serious damages to university students as a group at risk. This study aimed to determine the predictive role of tendency toward mobile learning (purposeful use of mobile technologies for educational purposes) and emotional intelligence in Internet addiction in healthcare professional students. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 403 healthcare professional students at Saveh University of Medical Sciences-Iran in 2021 using convenience sampling method. For data gathering, three questionnaires were used: willingness to use mobile learning, Young’s Internet Addiction Test, and the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal. Data analyses were done using Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Hierarchical Regression in SPSS 16 (Inc SPSS USA, IL, Chicago). Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.09±1.47 years; 125 subjects (31.01%) were boys and 278 (68.99%) girls. As the findings showed, 16.87% of the students had Internet addiction and 33% were on the edge of developing Internet addiction. Internet addiction was significantly negatively correlated with willingness to m-learning (r=-0.45, P=0.001) and emotional intelligence (r=-0.32, P=0.01). In addition, regression analysis results showed that the variables willingness to use learning and emotional intelligence explained 23% of the Internet addiction variance (P<0.001). Conclusion: In the present study, a considerable number of the healthcare professional students had excessive and unnecessary use of the Internet. Emotional intelligence and willingness to use mobile learning had an inverse relationship with Internet addiction. There is a need to screen Internet-addicted students using proper screening tools and take primary preventive measures in this regard. In addition, proper measures are needed to be taken to improve emotional intelligence and mobile learning skills and control Internet addiction to some extent.

Examining the Relationships among Internet Addiction Procrastination Social Support and Anxiety Sensitivity

In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationships between individuals' levels of internet addiction, procrastination, perceived social support and anxiety sensitivity levels. The study group consisted of 358 participants (278 women 80 men). The data were collected using Demographic Information Form, Young Internet Addiction Test Short Form, Procrastination Tendency Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3. Correlational analysis was used to determine the relations among variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether the independent variables predicted internet addiction. Procrastination (β= .38), social support (β= -.11), and anxiety sensitivity (β= .33) predicted internet addiction at a statistically significant level. It can be inferred considering this finding that, the regression model which involves procrastination, social support, and anxiety sensitivity predicts 31% of internet addiction. Individuals who are lonely have higher levels of internet addiction than those who have a statistically significant relationship, and their perceived social support levels are lower than those who have a statistically significant relationship. Based on the findings some suggestions were made.

The association between Internet addiction and sleep quality among Sohag University medical students

BackgroundInternet addiction (IA) is a growing issue with multiple impacts on psychological functions, including sleep. Consequently, the present study aimed to assess the correlation between IA as well as the quality of sleep among medical students. A total of 525 students from Sohag University were included in the study. Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) was utilized in order to evaluate IA. Demographic information, university-related factors, and Internet usage patterns of the participants were documented. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was utilized so as to evaluate the quality of sleep.ResultsThe prevalence of IA was 4.95% for severe addiction and 39.62% for moderate addiction. About 81.62% of subjects who suffer from IA significantly had poor quality of sleep. Young age, male gender, low academic performance, computer presence at home, Internet presence at home, using the Internet for chatting and gaming, and poor sleep quality are strong predictors of Internet addiction.ConclusionsThe prevalence of IA and its impact on the quality of sleep have been found to be substantial among medical students. There is a need for programs to raise awareness towards IA as well as its impact on sleep among university medical students.

The relationship between shame and internet addiction among university students: the mediating role of experiential avoidance

ABSTRACT Internet addiction is an important mental health problem among university students. This study aimed to examine the relationship between shame and Internet addiction and investigate the mediating role of experiential avoidance in undergraduate students. A total of 307 undergraduate students (210 females and 97 males) were recruited. Shame was examined using the Self-conscious Affect-3 Test. Experiential avoidance was evaluated using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-ӀӀ (AAQ-II). Internet addiction was assessed using the Young Internet Addiction test (IAT). Findings revealed significant associations between shame, experiential avoidance, and Internet addiction. In addition, the results of structural equation modelling demonstrated the mediating role of experiential avoidance in the relationship between shame and Internet addiction. The results suggest that the experts working on Internet addiction consider the shame and experiential avoidance. Early discovery and intervention of shame and experiential avoidance can be incorporated into programmes intending to reduce the risk of Internet addiction.

Cyberaddiction Among Students at Alassane Ouattara University in Bouaké (Côte d&amp;apos;Ivoire): Prevalence and Associated Factors

<i>Introduction</i>: Cyberaddiction can impact all aspects of people's lives, especially adolescents and young adults. Knowledge about the prevalence and related factors of these phenomena is therefore needed for prevention and treatment planning. <i>Objective</i>: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with cyberaddiction among Ivorian students. <i>Material and methods</i>: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that involved 388 students from Alassane Ouattara University in Bouaké over a period of 03 months (June - August 2017). The students were assessed using Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT). <i>Results</i>: The prevalence of cyberaddiction was 11.08%. The associated factors were femalesex (p=0.010), usage modalities such as daily connection time greater than 8 hours (p<0.0001) and less than 1 hour (p<0.0001), network usage (p=0.009), night internet use (p=0.0047). The consequences on life were sleep disturbances (p=0.009), homework equality (p<0.0001), decreased performance (p<0.0001) andisolationendance (p<0.006). <i>Conclusion</i>: These results show the need to raise awareness among the population, especially students, about the harmful effects that excessive use of the Internet can have on their lives.

The Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Its Relationship with Mental Health Among High School Students in Bushehr, Iran (2018).

The overuse and abuse of the Internet incur the risk of Internet addiction. Besides, as adolescents spend many hours on the Internet, their general health is at stake. The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study sample included 1000 female and male high school students in Bushehr City in 2018. The students took part in this study by completing Kimberly Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and Goldenberg's Mental Health Questionnaire. The frequency, mean, and standard deviation measures were also used to explain the results, and data analysis was performed using the Chi-squared tests technique, which was also used to analyze the data and to examine the relationship among mental health and Internet addiction and logistical regression. According to the results of the prevalence of Internet addiction it was found that 1.1% (10 individuals) were Internet-addicted and 33.1% (299 individuals) were at the risk of Internet addiction. The findings of this study indicated that four different areas of mental health including physical condition, anxiety, depression, and social functioning have a direct relationship with Internet addiction (P < 0.05). In the present study, a large percentage of the students were prone to Internet addiction. Hence, it is necessary to plan and perform preventive, controlling, and interventional measures for high school students.

Association Between Internet Addiction, Depression and Sleep Quality Among Undergraduate Students of Medical and Allied Sciences.

The use of the internet is growing rapidly worldwide with easier availability and affordability in developing countries like Nepal. Apart from several benefits, it has also led to deleterious effects on certain individuals' physical and mental well-being. The present study aimed to assess the burden of internet addiction among nursing, dental and medical undergraduates at a medical school, and examine its relationship with depression and sleep quality. A cross-sectional study among 494 students pursuing nursing, dental and medical undergraduate courses at the same medical college in Nepal was conducted. The burden of internet addiction, depression, and sleep disturbance was assessed using Young's Internet addiction test, Beck's depression inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaires respectively. The majority of respondents reported either controlled use of internet or mild problem with internet use. However, 4.7% of respondents reported significant problems due to internet use. Further, about 42.3% reported poor sleep quality, and 8.9% screened positive for depression. In both chi-square and logistic regression analyses, internet addiction was significantly associated with poor sleep quality and depression. The study shows that about half of the participants experienced at least some problems and a small but significant proportion of them reported severe problems due to internet use. This warrants the need to address the issue of internet addiction among medical and allied sciences students in Nepal. Further, internet addiction is associated with both depression and poor sleep quality, highlighting a need to develop effective interventions targeting all three problems holistically.

A bidirectional association between internet addiction and depression: A large-sample longitudinal study among Chinese university students

BackgroundInternet addiction (IA) is associated with adverse consequences, especially for younger people. Evidence indicates that IA is associated with depression, but no studies have yet investigated potential common vulnerability between them. MethodsIA (measured by the Young's 20-item Internet Addiction Test Scale) and depressive symptoms (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Scale) among 12 043 undergraduates were surveyed at baseline and at a respective 12 month follow-up for each participant. Application of a cross-lagged panel model approach (CLPM) revealed an association between IA and depression after adjusting for demographic variables. ResultsRates of baseline IA and depression were 5.47% (95% CI: 5.07%, 5.88%) and 3.85% (95% CI: 3.51%, 4.20%), respectively; increasing to 9.47% (95% CI: 8.94%, 9.99%) and 5.58% (95% CI: 5.17%,5.99%), respectively, at follow-up. Rates of new-incidences of IA and depression over 12 months were 7.43% (95% CI: 6.95%, 7.91%) and 4.47% (95% CI: 4.09%, 4.84%), respectively. Models in the present analysis revealed that baseline depression had a significant net-predictive effect on follow-up IA, and baseline IA had a significant net-predictive effect on follow-up depression. LimitationsThe follow-up survey response rate was moderate (54.69%) in this analysis of university students. Moreover, the IAT-20 scale did not allow differentiate between specific forms of Internet activity. ConclusionsCommon vulnerability and bidirectional cross-causal effects may both contribute to the association between IA and depression, with common vulnerability likely playing a more significant role than cross-causal effects.