Mohammed A Mamun1,2, Md Sharif Hossain1,2, Mst Sabrina Moonajilin1, Mohammed Tanvir Masud2,3, Jannatul Mawa Misti2, Mark D Griffiths4. 1. Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2. Undergraduate Research Organization, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 3. Department of Electronic Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, South Korea. 4. International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Researchers have claimed that problematic internet use (PIU) and internet addiction (IA) is a global mental health problem. However, little research has addressed this issue in Bangladesh and no previous study has examined the relationship between PIU and potential psychological risk factors. AIM: The present study examined the prevalence of PIU and its associated risk factors including socio-demographic variables, internet use behaviors, and other psychological variables including loneliness, self-esteem, and psychological distress. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Bangladeshi students (N = 605). Measures included the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: Using a cut-off score of ≤60 (out of 100) on the IAT, the prevalence of PIU was 16.5% (n = 100). Regression analysis showed that sleep disturbance (more or less than 6-7 hours sleeping time), not using internet for academic purposes, and online chatting were risk factors for PIU. Loneliness and psychological distress were positively correlated with PIU, whereas self-esteem was negatively correlated. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights that PIU among Bangladeshi university students is an issue of concern and that targeted prevention is needed among emerging adults to help overcome the potentially negative effects of problematic internet use.
BACKGROUND: Researchers have claimed that problematic internet use (PIU) and internet addiction (IA) is a global mental health problem. However, little research has addressed this issue in Bangladesh and no previous study has examined the relationship between PIU and potential psychological risk factors. AIM: The present study examined the prevalence of PIU and its associated risk factors including socio-demographic variables, internet use behaviors, and other psychological variables including loneliness, self-esteem, and psychological distress. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Bangladeshi students (N = 605). Measures included the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: Using a cut-off score of ≤60 (out of 100) on the IAT, the prevalence of PIU was 16.5% (n = 100). Regression analysis showed that sleep disturbance (more or less than 6-7 hours sleeping time), not using internet for academic purposes, and online chatting were risk factors for PIU. Loneliness and psychological distress were positively correlated with PIU, whereas self-esteem was negatively correlated. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights that PIU among Bangladeshi university students is an issue of concern and that targeted prevention is needed among emerging adults to help overcome the potentially negative effects of problematic internet use.
Authors: Mohammed A Mamun; Tahmina Akter; Fatematuz Zohra; Najmuj Sakib; A K M Israfil Bhuiyan; Palash Chandra Banik; Mohammad Muhit Journal: Heliyon Date: 2020-10-14
Authors: Israt Jahan; Ismail Hosen; Firoj Al Mamun; Mark Mohan Kaggwa; Mark D Griffiths; Mohammed A Mamun Journal: Psychol Res Behav Manag Date: 2021-07-26