The prevalence of internet addiction among students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences
- Author:
Mashaei Naffise
;
Asadpour Mohammad
;
Pourrashidi Boshrabadi Ahmad
;
Rezahosseini Omid
;
Ayatollahi A
;
Bidaki Reza
;
Arab BaniAsad Fatemeh
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Prevalence, Internet Addiction, Rafsanjan, Students
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2013;14(2):1-8
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Internet addiction is defined as mismanagement of internet use that causes mental, social and occupational problems. Thus, the assessment of prevalence
of this disorder can lead to preventive measures and appropriate treatment to prevent its spread. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, prevalence of internet
addiction disorder was assessed in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran in 2012. Stratified random sample was used to select 224 students.
Demographic data were recorded and Internet Addiction test Test (IAT) questionnaire was administrated. Results: Out off 224 students participating in the
study, 86 (38.4%) were males and 138 (61.6%) were female with a mean age of 21.05± 0.1 years. Most of the students (42.4%) were using the internet "under one
hour" and the lowest (4%) "More than six hours". Mean test score of IAT was 24.81 ± 1.08 (mild addiction). In terms of internet addiction, 95 (42.4%) cases were
normal users, 115 (51.3%) had mild addiction, 12 (5.4%) showed moderate addiction and 2 (0.9%) were cases of severe addiction which are lower compared to
previous studies. Conclusion: The rate of internet addiction among students of
Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in Iran is lower than the previous reports. It is still necessary to curb the spread of this problem due to its complications.