Exploring the psychometric properties of the English version of the Internet Addiction Test in the Pakistani population: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction: Despite growing concerns over pathological use of the Internet, studies based on validated psychometric instruments are still lacking in Pakistan. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) in a sample of the Pakistani population. We examined the validity, internal consistency, readability and floor and ceiling effects of IAT scores.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan from 1 March 2015 to 30 May 2015. A total of 522 medical and dental students completed the questionnaire, which consisted of three sections: (a) demographics and percentage grades in annual examinations, (b) a categorical question to record the estimated number of hours spent on the Internet per day, and (c) the English version of the IAT. All data were analyzed in SPSS v. 20. Principal axis factor analysis was used to validate the factor structure of the IAT in our study sample. An alpha coefficient > .7 was sought in the reliability analysis. Histograms and the values of skewness and kurtosis were analyzed for floor and ceiling effects. In addition, readability of the IAT was assessed as the Flesch Reading Ease score and Flesch-Kincaid Grade level function. Results: A total of 522 medical and dental students participated in the survey. Most respondents were female medical students enrolled in preclinical years of their degree program. Median age (min-max) of the respondents was 20 years (17-25 years). A single-factor model for IAT score explained 33.71% of the variance, with a high alpha coefficient of .893. In addition, the IAT had good face and convergent validity and no floor and ceiling effects, and was judged easy to read by participants. Conclusion: The English version of the IAT showed good psychometric properties in a sample of Pakistani university students. A single-factor model for assessing internet addiction showed good reliability and was found suitable with our study sample.

Demographic and Psychosocial Factors associated with Internet Addiction among the Pakistani Population during COVID-19: A Web-Based Survey

“…Previous Pakistani studies concluded that the proportion of addictive internet users ranged from 0.6% to 1.1%, and the proportion of problematic internet users ranged from 16% to 37% before the COVID-19 pandemic. [54][55][56] The findings from the current study are showing higher proportions among problematic and addictive internet users as compared to pre-COVID times. The possible reason for the rise in internet addiction could be the measures taken to curb the COVID-19 pandemic such as lockdowns, closure of educational institutions, closure of entertainment clubs, and promotion of work from home practices have led to an increase in time spent at home and have contributed remarkably in increased and possibly addictive use of the internet.…”