Problematic Internet Use, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality among Medical Students: A Path-Analytic Model

Abstract

Background: There is a close association between problematic Internet use (PIU), sleep quality, and mental health problems. To evaluate which mental health problem is more associated with coexistence of both PIU and poor sleep quality, we hypothesized a model in which PIU influences sleep quality directly and also through the mediation of three different mental health problems. Methods: A total of 402 medical students completed the Persian versions of the Internet Addiction Test, 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A maximum likelihood structural equation model was used to assess the hypothesis. For assessment of the indirect effects, bootstrapping was conducted. Results: PIU predicted poor sleep quality through indirect pathways by the mediation of mental health problems (P < 0.001). Poor sleep quality were associated with depressive symptoms (P < 0.001), anxiety (P = 0.035), and stress (P < 0.001); however, the direct pathways from stress and anxiety to poor sleep quality were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Findings extend our previous knowledge about the interrelationships between PIU, sleep disturbances, and mental health problems by unveiling the key role of depressive symptoms.

Anxiety, depression, attitudes, and internet addiction during the initial phase of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic: A cross-sectional study in México

“…18 Several studies have found that internet addiction increases the risk of depression, anxiety and stress. [16][17][18][19] Due to the sudden onset of COVID-19, few studies have explored the effects of SARS-COV-2 on mental health. 14,20,21 To our knowledge there are no studies in Latin American countries that have explored how this pandemic may increase internet addiction, and its relationship to triggering anxiety and depression in the general population.…”

Prevalence of internet addiction and its associated factors among medical students at Taiba University, Saudi Arabia

“…Internet addiction has been defined as excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding computer use and internet access that lead to impairment or distress. [ 1 2 ] Internet addiction can cause neurological complications, anxiety, depression, and can affect the academic performance of university students. [ 1 ] The previous studies in the United States and Europe found a prevalence rate between 1.5% and 8.2%.…”

“…[ 1 2 ] Internet addiction can cause neurological complications, anxiety, depression, and can affect the academic performance of university students. [ 1 ] The previous studies in the United States and Europe found a prevalence rate between 1.5% and 8.2%. [ 3 ] In the previous studies from the Middle East and Asia, the prevalence of internet addiction among adolescent and university students varies from 0.9% to as high as 33%.…”

Problematic Internet Use and Health Outcomes: Does Trait Self-Control Matter?

“…However, they were not able to conclude due to conflicting findings regarding the effect of problematic mobile use on obesity risk, sleep duration and physical activity. In a related study, Shadzi et al (2020) found that PIU may not result in adverse health-related outcomes, such as sleep disturbances and mental health issues. Therefore, this research proposes that: H 1 : Problematic internet use positively influences adverse health outcomes.…”

“…Prior research on the relationship between PIU and adverse health outcomes has yielded contradictory and inconsistent findings (An et al, 2014;Bener et al, 2011;Canan et al, 2013;Choi et al, 2009;Domoff, Borgen, Foley, & Maffett, 2019;Gámez-Guadix, 2014;Ostovar et al, 2016;Shadzi, Salehi, & Vardanjani, 2020;van Deursen, Bolle, Hegner, & Kommers, 2015). To address these inconsistencies, we used a moderator variable in the relationship between PIU and adverse health outcomes.…”