Internet addiction, mental health, and sleep quality in students of medical sciences, Iran: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Internet addiction (IA) is a severe problem, especially in academic communities. The association between IA and unfavorable emotional conditions (e.g., anxiety, stress, and depression) can harm students' relationships and academic and career performance. The present study evaluated (a) the prevalence of IA in a sample of medical sciences university students; (b) the association between IA and depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders; and (c) the association between demographic characteristics and IA, depression, anxiety, and stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 268 students from Abadan University of Medical Sciences were selected using Morgan Table. The participants responded to the Young Internet Addiction Test, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-42, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and least significant difference. RESULTS: The mean score of IA was 45.65 +/- 35.40. IA was found to be significantly related to depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders (except for sleep disturbance) (P < 0.001). Males were found to be more likely than females to suffer from IA, depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders. Furthermore, age was inversely related to IA, depression, and stress. Finally, medical sciences students suffered from depression, anxiety, and stress more than students majoring in other fields. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous occurrence of IA and depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders in students indicates that IA is associated with other psychological problems. Therefore, researchers and policymakers need to identify preventive measures to help internet-addicted students.