To Study the Prevalence of Internet Addiction in Students of Medical Colleges of Northern India

Addressing Internet Addiction Among Students in Medical Colleges of Northern India

Abstract

Internet is a growing pandemic in today’s digitally dependent lifestyle. The most affected are students of all age groups.[2] Students use them for various reasons like searching study materials, watching videos[7], connecting socially. This dependence affects the mental wellbeing of the students[9,10]. The present Covid era has also increased this internet dependence amongst the younger generation.Material Methods – 307 medical students were enrolled for this study. Informed consent was obtained ethical clearance was also taken. Young’s Internet Addiction questionnaire was created in Google form mailed to the students. Responses was analysed on excel sheet Student t-test was applied.Result – 32 were mild users, 19 moderate internet users 3.9 students were severely addicted to internet. 44 students were normal users of internet. Statistical significance was found between gender and internet addiction score. (P value < 0.05). However, no significance was found in severe addiction among male female students.Conclusion – Internet addiction is a growing problem among the students which cannot be completely abolished. But we can surely guide them regarding limited usage, other remedial measures so that they are not addicted to internet.