A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study on Internet Addiction and Associated Risk Factors Among Medical Students

BackgroundnbspIndia is the second largest user of the Internet globally with approximately 665.31million users in 2019. The prevalence of Internet addiction IA varies across countries and also within India depending on the context of assessment and the sub-types of addiction. In India the prevalence of IA among college students has been reported to range from 5 to 46.7.AimnbspTo determine the prevalence of Internet dependency among medical students and to identify the associated factors.MethodologynbspA cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 230 medical students of VIMS Bellary using Dr. Kimberly S. Youngrsquos Internet Addiction Test scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the associations with IA were assessed with logistic regressionResultsnbspAccording to Youngrsquos impairment index 44.8 of participants were classified as addicted to Internet use. Students showed higher addiction rates related to online gaming P0.015 social networking sites P0.003 virtual casinos P0.022 and adult sites P0.000. Cravings and withdrawal symptoms were significantly more common among addicted students P lt0.001 with insomnia 48.3 being the most frequently reported symptom. Honesty about Internet use was highest with friends 90. The logistic regression model was statistically significant chi217 155 P lt.001 explaining 65.7 of the variance in IA Nagelkerke R2 and correctly classifying 44.8 of students.Conclusion The prevalence of IA among adolescents is high. A holistic approach is needed to regulate Internet use involving and educating parents teachers and policymakers about its detrimental effects emphasis on convergence targeted approaches and the use of technology. In addition nutritional programmes should consider and address other factors such as place of residence illiteracy household income maternal malnutrition birth order poor sanitation illnesses and infections.