Expressed Needs of Students for Prevention of Internet Addiction: A Content Analysis Study

College students are particularly vulnerable to developing Internet addiction. Understanding students’ needs for preventing as well as managing Internet addiction should be considered.
The purpose of this study was to explore the multidimensional needs of students for the prevention of Internet addiction.
This qualitative study was performed in Sanandaj, Iran, between September and December 2015. Fifteen participants who are addicted to the Internet, based upon a self-reported questionnaire, were purposefully selected from 3 local universities. Data was collected using focus groups, individual semi-structured interviews, and drawings. Conventional content analysis methods were utilized to analyze data.
Fifteen students (mean age 26.3 ± 3.2 years) with an average score for Internet addiction of 59.3 participated in the study. Students’ needs for the prevention of Internet addiction included 4 major categories: social support, personal competence, appropriate culture, as well as maintenance and improvement of health.
Prevention programs for Internet addiction need to promote social supports, teach personal competence, establish an appropriate culture, and prioritize good health.