Prevalence of internet addiction and some associated factors in students at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University in 2018

Abstract

Background: Internet addiction is a prominent issue in students worldwide, which significantly impacts health, work, and academic results. We conduct this study to determine the proportion of Internet addiction and analyze some related factors among students.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1098 medical students at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue university in 2018. Short-version of Internet Addiction Test (s-IAT) including 12 questions was used to identify 2 factors: loss of control/time management and craving/social problems.  The questions are graded on the Likert scale of 1 (never) to 5 (always), with total scores ranging from 12 to 60 points. The standardized questionnaire is reliable and relevant in Vietnam.

Result:  36.9% of students are addicted to the internet, and some associated factors to internet addiction include receiving academic advisor attention receiving the attention of a learning advisor (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57-0.94); self-study time ≥3 hours/day (OR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.32-0.66); habit of reading books in free time (OR= 0.60; 95%CI: 0.32-0.65); habit of re-studying only when approaching the exam (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.04-2.06) with p<0.05. 

Conclusion: To reduce the risk of Internet addiction, students should must receive the attention of academic advisors, be encouraged to spend more time on self-study, develop positivegood habits such as reading in the sparefree time, and regularly study on a regular basis.