Epidemiology and Related Factors of Internet Addiction with Emphasizing the Role of Feeling Loneliness and Interpersonal Problems in University Students

Internet addiction is recognized as a global public health issue, with high prevalence among medical students. The identification of risk factors related to Internet addiction is crucial for reducing its prevalence and severity.

This study aimed to assess the epidemiology and related factors to Internet addiction, emphasizing the role of feeling loneliness and interpersonal problems.

A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2022, involving 414 students from the Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Young’s Internet addiction questionnaire, along with the assessments of interpersonal problems and loneliness, was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics (including correlation coefficients and hierarchical regression) were applied using SPSS software (version 22), with a significance level set at P < 0.05.

All students had internet addiction; nevertheless, the majority (82.4%) of them were in the range of mild addiction, and none of them had severe Internet addiction. The average score of Internet addiction was 51.59 (4.77), which shows moderate Internet addiction among students. Internet addiction had a positive and significant relationship with students’ lodging (dormitory), feelings of loneliness, and interpersonal problems; however, there was no correlation with age, gender, marital status, major, and academic year.

The prevalence of Internet addiction was significantly higher in the present study than in previous studies, serving as a critical warning for health practitioners and planners. Notably, the highest level of addiction observed was at a mild level, necessitating early intervention to prevent further escalation. Considering the correlation between Internet addiction and students’ lodging (dormitory), feelings of loneliness, and interpersonal problems, it is imperative to explore alternative activities within dormitories and provide regular psychological counseling for the early detection of these issues.