Implications of COVID-19 pandemic on internet addiction among Croatian university students

Abstract

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic the internet has become an important medium for learning and communication for university students. Increased time spent online during the pandemic is a significant risk factor for the development of internet addiction (IA) in this population. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the influence of pandemics on IA among Croatian university students and to evaluate the characteristics of IA during the pandemic in comparison to pre-pandemic time. Methods Two cross-sectional studies, one in April 2016 and another in April 2022 were conducted. As part of these studies, a validated, anonymous questionnaire that contained questions regarding demographic data, as well as Young’s Internet Addiction Test, was self-administered to a cross-faculty representative student sample of the University of Osijek in Eastern Croatia. Results The study sample included 1602 university students (810 in the year 2016 and 792 in the year 2022), the median age was 21 years (interquartile range 20-22), 34.5% males, and 65.5% females. There was no statistically significant difference in the median age of the two students’ samples (p=0.234). The main reasons for internet usage were learning and faculty assignments (25.0%), social networking and entertainment (71.0%), and online gaming (4.0%), and there was no statistically significant difference between observed students’ samples (p=0.075). The overall prevalence of IA in 2016 was 41.4% and 39.8% in 2022 but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.542). The proportions of students with mild, moderate, and severe IA in 2016 were 32.8%, 8.4%, and 0.1% respectively, while in 2022 they were 27.4%, 11.9%, and 0.5%, and observed differences were statistically significant (p=0.011). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the pattern of IA among Croatian university students where proportions of students with moderate and severe IA were significantly higher in comparison to pre-pandemic time. To successfully manage this important public health challenge during the pandemic and post-pandemic time specific preventive measures intended for this population should be developed. Disclosure of Interest None Declared