Journal of Education and Health Promotion

A study of internet addiction and its effects on mental health: A study based on Iranian University Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Javad Yoosefi Lebni 1
. Razie Toghroli 2
. Jaffar Abbas 3
. Nazila NeJhaddadgar 4
. Mohammad Reza Salahshoor 5
. Morteza Mansourian 6
. Hadi Darvishi Gilan 1
. Neda Kianipour 7
. Fakhreddin Chaboksavar 1
. Seyyed Amar Azizi 7
. Arash Ziapour 1

1 Health Education and Health Promotion, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

2 Social Determinants in Health Promotion Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran

3 Antai College of Economics and Management/School of Media and Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai-China

4 Department of Health Care Services and Health Education, School of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Science, Ardabil, Iran

5 Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

6 Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

7 Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The Internet has drastically affected human behavior, and it has positive and
negative effects; however, its excessive usage exposes users to internet addiction. The diagnosis of
students’ mental dysfunction is vital to monitor their academic progress and success by preventing
this technology through proper handling of the usage addiction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive‑analytical study selected 447 students (232 females
and 215 males) of the first and second semesters enrolled at Kermanshah University of Medical
Sciences, Iran, in 2018 by using Cochrane’s sample size formula and stratified random sampling.
The study applied Young’s Internet Addiction Test and Goldberg General Health Questionnaire 28
for data collection. The study screened the data received and analyzed valid data set through the
t‑test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient by incorporating SPSS Statistics software version 23.0.
RESULTS: The results of the current study specified that the total mean score of the students for
internet addiction and mental health was 3.81 ± 0.88 and 2.56 ± 0.33, correspondingly. The results
revealed that internet addiction positively correlated with depression and mental health, which
indicated a negative relationship (P > 0.001). The multiple regression analysis results showed students’
five significant vulnerability predictors toward internet addiction, such as the critical reason for using
the Internet, faculty, depression, the central place for using the Internet, and somatic symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: The study findings specified that students’ excessive internet usage leads to
anxiety, depression, and adverse mental health, which affect their academic performance. Monitoring
and controlling students’ internet addiction through informative sessions on how to use the Internet
adequately is useful.

Keywords

Internet addiction
medical sciences
mental health
students
technology advancement 
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 10, Issue 8
August 2020
Pages 1-8

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