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Abstract
Background: Internet addiction is characterized by excessive or uncontrolled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors related to Internet use that can cause impairment or distress. Excessive internet use can adversely impact psychological well-being and daily lives, contributing to the development of psychological dependency. This is a growing concern among adolescents and university students, negatively affecting their mental, physical, social, and financial health. Internet addiction is highly associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders, underscoring its significance as a major public health issue. However, while there are limited existing studies in Ethiopia primarily focusing on the prevalence of internet addiction, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of internet addiction among college students and the key associated factors of internet addiction: depression, anxiety, stress, academic performance, and sleep disturbance. By identifying these factors, this study aims to create awareness of the associated risks and consequences, encouraging students to take preventive measures.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of Internet addiction among undergraduate students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data was collected from December 2023 to February 2024 using self-administered structured questionnaires such as Young’s Internet Addiction Test, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Data from the completed checklists was compiled into Epi-data 4.6 and the 17th version of STATA software for further processing and analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of internet addiction and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify associated factors. A statistical significance level of P value <0.05 was considered.
Results: For a total of 649 study participants, the prevalence of internet addiction was 33.59% [95% CI: 30.05%, 37.32]. Multiple logistic regression model revealed that current alcohol drinkers [AOR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.71], depression [AOR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.45], anxiety [AOR 2.53, 95% CI: 1.68, 3.80] and insomnia [AOR 2.45, 95% CI: 1.47,4.08] were significantly associated with internet addiction.
Conclusion: The present study showed a high prevalence of Internet addiction among undergraduate university students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In the study, being a current alcohol drinker, depression, anxiety, and insomnia were found to be statistically significantly associated with Internet addiction.
Recommendation: The findings suggest that alcohol use, mental health, and sleep problems are highly associated with internet addiction, therefore needs to be given special emphasis, on providing psychological counseling, and students need to be educated about healthy and appropriate use of internet practice to overcome the anticipated increase in internet addiction
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