Nocturnal internet use and its association with behavioral, psychological, and sociodemographic variables among university students in Bangladesh

The rise in nocturnal internet use (NIU) among university students has raised concerns about their mental health, academic performance, and sleep quality. Understanding the behavioral and socio-demographic factors associated with this issue is essential for developing effective interventions. However, the study aimed to examine the association of NIU with behavioral, psychological, and sociodemographic variables among university students. This was a cross-sectional study focusing on undergraduate students. The outcome variable was NIU, measured by participants’ self-reported responses. The independent variables were measured using a standardized questionnaire that collected data on demographics, lifestyle choices, familial ties, and internet usage trends. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. This study included 361 undergraduate students (59.3% male, 40.7% female). The prevalence of NIU was 71.2%. There was a strong association between NIU and father’s graduate-level education (AOR = 3.58; 95% CI: 1.270-10.082), unmarried marital status (AOR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.343–5.819), being in the fourth year (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.242–3.919), having a “good” relationship with parents (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.000-3.205), using the internet without studying (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.542–6.785), and internet addiction (AOR = 3.75; 95% CI: 1.925–7.303). The results suggest that both socio-demographic and behavioral factors were associated with nocturnal internet use among university students. Behavior, family, and academic factors all influence university students’ nocturnal internet use. Targeted strategies that promote family support and responsible internet habits are necessary to reduce the negative impacts.