Prevalence of Pathological Internet Use during Coronavirus Pandemic Lockdown and its Determinants amongst M.B.B.S. Undergraduates of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract Background: Recent studies showed that excessive internet use is associated with depression, hostility, low self-esteem, and emotional instability. To further delve into the untouched domain of Internet Addiction, this study was conducted. Aims: 1. The prevalence of Internet Addiction Disorder amongst medical students of Himachal Pradesh during the COVID-19 lockdown. 2. To determine the association of personal, social and internet-related factors with internet-addiction. 3. To determine association of various neurotic traits with Internet Addiction Disorder. Methods: Out of 2020 medical students from government medical colleges of Himachal, 366 participated via a semi- structured proforma which included questions about usage of internet along with Internet Addiction Test (20-item self-reported questionnaire scale) and DSM-V Criteria for Pathological Internet Gaming. Epi-Info Version 7.2.4.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Amongst 218 female and 148 male students with mean age 20.91 years (±1.5) the prevalence of internet addiction amongst male and females turned out equal after the lockdown (85.8%) while before lockdown it was less for males (81.8%) than females (82.6%). The score was found high after the lockdown in those students who have one sibling, mother profession as house maker and those who primarily use internet for gaming. Conclusion: As majority of medical students at Himachal Pradesh are internet addict, attention should be focused at this behavioural addiction and awareness should be increased among students and faculties of college to detect students at risk.