Internet addiction among undergraduate medical students in Myanmar: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of internet addiction and its associated factors among undergraduate students attending medical universities in Myanmar. Methods: Internet addiction was assessed using Young’s internet addiction test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the factors associated with internet addiction. Altogether 950 students from all medical universities were included in the study voluntarily. Result: The prevalence of internet addiction in the study population was 72.2% (95%CI: 69.3%, 75.0%). According to the results of multiple logistic regression analysis, age, percentage of pocket money spent for internet, time spent per day using the internet, peer pressure, health-related behaviours (irregular meals, sleep disturbances, and missing social gatherings), and academic performance (postponement of the study and inability to concentrate on studying) were significant predictors of internet addiction. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of internet addiction among Myanmar undergraduate medical students. Appropriate interventions, including promotion and strengthening of active and healthy lifestyles among students, should be implemented to prevent internet addiction and its adverse outcomes.

Keywords

• internet addiction; medical students; myanmar; undergraduate students