Pathological internet use and its correlation with big five inventory traits among first-year undergraduate medical students

Abstract

Context: The explosive growth of the internet in the last decade has had a huge impact on psychological research in understanding its role in communication and interpersonal behavior. There has been increased interest in the addictive potential of the internet and the effect this can have on psychological well-being. Aims: To study the prevalence of pathological internet use (PIU) and the correlation between PIU and big five personality traits among first-year MBBS students. Settings and Design: The present study with cross-sectional design was conducted in one of the government medical colleges of Gujarat. Subjects and Methods: First-year MBBS students (n = 226) newly admitted in Government medical college, Surat in the year 2018–2019 were enrolled in the study. The internet use pattern was assessed using PIU scale, and the evaluation of their personality traits was done using The Big 5 Inventory. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test and independent samples t-test. Results and Conclusions: Results showed that prevalence of PIU among first-year MBBS students was high (68.28%). Students who did not take MBBS by their own choice and were living in hostel had more PIU, whereas it was almost equal in both the genders and family type. PIU was found less in students with conscientiousness and openness personality traits and high in students with neuroticism personality trait (P < 0.05). PIU is predictable by measuring the personality characteristics of the students.

Keywords

• internet addiction
• pathological internet use
• personality traits