Internet addiction and mental health among medical students of selected university in Mangalore, Karnataka

• DOI: 10.5455/ijmsph.2018.1131401122017
• Publication Date: 2017-12-24T13:48:25Z
• Authors: Shoeeb MD; Utsav Raj
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 3. Good health

Background: Internet addiction (IA) is maladaptive pattern of internet use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. It has a varied prevalence between countries and states due criteria sample studied.

Objectives: The objectives are study the magnitude IA its impact on mental health among medical students selected University in Mangalore, Karnataka, also assess association various sociodemographic variables with IA.

Materials Methods: A cross-sectional was conducted all M.B.B.S residing hostel university located for 1 month. Sociodemographic profile participants information were collected using pre-designed pre-tested questionnaire.

Results: Mean age 20.62 ± 1.463 32.9% users ≥38 h per week. With Young’s (YIAT) test, divided into 3 categories, namely, 46.2%, 32.9%, 4.4% as average users, possible addicts, respectively. There statistically difference mean scores severe depression subscale General Health Questionnaire - Twenty Eight across two groups YIAT test (t = 0.448; P 0.015). Marital status weekly hours predictors (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Prevalence higher contrast other studies, warrants stringent efforts early diagnosis, prevention.