Internet Addiction and Relationships with Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Self-Esteem in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Designed Study

Abstract

Background and AimsInternet addiction (IA) could be a major concern in university medical students aiming to develop into health professionals. The implications of this addiction as well as its association with sleep, mood disorders and self-esteem can hinder their studies, impact their long-term career goals and have wide and detrimental consequences for society as a whole. The objectives of this study were to: 1) Assess potential IA in university medical students, as well as factors associated with it; 2) Assess the relationships between potential IA, insomnia, depression, anxiety, stress and self-esteem.MethodsOur study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted among 600 students of three faculties: medicine, dentistry and pharmacy at Saint-Joseph University. Four validated and reliable questionnaires were used: the Young Internet Addiction Test, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS 21), and the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES).ResultsThe average YIAT score was 30 ± 18.474; Potential IA prevalence rate was 16.8% (95% confidence interval: 13.81–19.79%) and it was significantly different between males and females (p-value = 0.003), with a higher prevalence in males (23.6% versus 13.9%). Significant correlations were found between potential IA and insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression and self-esteem (p-value < 0.001); ISI and DASS sub-scores were higher and self-esteem lower in students with potential IA.ConclusionsIdentifying students with potential IA is important because this addiction often coexists with other psychological problems. Therefore, interventions should include not only IA management but also associated psychosocial stressors such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress, and self-esteem.

Relation between Internet Addiction and Educational Burnout among Students in Faculty of Health Management and Medical Informatics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences: A Cross - Sectional Study

“…The results indicate that there is a significant relationship between Internet addiction and academic burnout. The results of Mohammad Beigi and colleagues showed that the dependence on the Internet is associated with failing an exam, number of units spent, and low average in recent terms significantly, therefore, it leads to students' academic failure, which was consistent with our study (2). Beard quoted by Moiedfar concluded that the use of Internet, until late, from universities causes the dangers of inappropriate use of the Internet and the problems in the curriculum of academic, this was consistent with our study (39).…”

O Uso de Internet e Redes Sociais e a Relação com Indícios de Ansiedade e Depressão em Estudantes de Medicina

“…Diferentes investigações chegam à conclusão de que a AI, muitas vezes, está relacionada a transtornos mentais, especialmente depressão e ansiedade 1,6,8,15 . A depressão é a doença psiquiátrica mais relatada quando associada ao uso problemático da internet em adolescentes e ao aumento de depressão em adultos 2,5,20,21 .…”

“…Adicção por internet, dependência, uso patológico, vício ou uso problemático são termos utilizados como sinônimos na literatura para nomear esse uso desadaptativo 2,6 . Esse transtorno é descrito como uma preocupação intensa com o uso da internet, uso compulsivo, gasto de tempo excessivo na web, inabilidade para manejar esse tempo, considerando ainda o mundo sem internet desinteressante, irritabilidade no caso de ser interrompido quando está conectado e diminuição dos relacionamentos sociais por causa desse uso 2,7 .…”

“…São diversos os efeitos deletérios relacionados à AI, como alterações na qualidade do sono, na nutrição e na atividade fí-sica, menor desempenho acadêmico ou profissional e prejuízo nos relacionamentos interpessoais. Além disso, diversas pesquisas relacionam a AI aos transtornos de humor, transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade, transtorno de uso de substâncias, ansiedade, ansiedade social, solidão, baixa autoestima, menores níveis de atividade física, hostilidade e comportamento agressivo, comportamento compulsivo, impulsividade, maiores taxas de transtornos de personalidade, menor felicidade e vitalidade subjetivas, prejuízos na saúde mental de forma geral e suicídio 2,3,[5][6][7][8] .…”

Factores Asociados a Trastornos Psicológicos en Estudiantes De Medicina

“…El estudio "Internet Addition and Relationships with Insomnia Anxiety, Depression, stress and Self-Esteem in University Students: a across-sectional designed study" señala que se encontró relación entre la posible adicción a internet con depresión, ansiedad y estrés 26 .…”