Patterns and correlates of problematic Internet use among college students in a northeastern district of India: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The rapid growth of Internet usage has led to an increased prevalence of Problematic Internet Use (PIU), especially among college students, who are particularly vulnerable due to lifestyle transitions. PIU is linked to impulsivity, depression, and anxiety, posing significant mental health concerns. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prevalence and factors associated with PIU among college students in Tezpur, India. Specifically, it examined demographic, behavioral, and psychological correlates of PIU and patterns of Internet usage contributing to this issue. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted across four educational institutions in Tezpur, Assam, involving 460 college students aged 18–30. Data were collected using validated tools, including Young’s Internet Addiction Test, Barratt’s Impulsiveness Scale, Self-reporting Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, and Drug Abuse Screening Test -10. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and linear regression. Results: The study found that 55.7% of students were at risk of PIU, with 0.4% displaying severe PIU. Male gender, rural background, lower household income, impulsivity, and certain mental health issues were significantly associated with higher PIU scores. Key predictors of PIU included daily Internet use duration, frequency, and impulsivity. Conclusion: PIU is prevalent among college students in Tezpur, with impulsivity and certain sociodemographic factors serving as significant predictors. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions focusing on behavioral and mental health factors to mitigate PIU risks in this population.