A A Study on Prevalence and Severity of Internet Addiction Among Students of a Degree College of Etawah City Uttar Pradesh
Abstract
Background: The rapid expansion and proliferation of the internet
has provided better opportunities for communication, information
and social interaction. However, the excessive undisciplined use by
some individuals has led to the emergence of the concept of internet
addiction. This study aims to determine the prevalence and pattern of
Internet addiction among degree college students by using Internet
Addiction Test in Etawah City.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 235-degree
college students during year 2019. Data was collected by using structured
proforma including socio-demographic variables and Young’s 20-item
Internet Addiction Test (IAT) questionnaire. Data was coded on Microsoft
excel and Statistical analysis done by SPSS version 25.
Results: Prevalence of internet addiction by using Young’s original
criteria was 4.68%. Internet addiction was significantly more common
in males than females (p<0.05). This study reveals that according to
IAT score, 40.43% were average users, 54.89% were possible addicts
and 4.68% were addicts. Chi square test was applied to determine
association, gender and internet addiction which, was found to be
statistically significant (p = 0.03).
Conclusion: Prevalence of internet addiction was 4.68% with male
predominance indicating that internet addiction is a growing problem.
Prevalence of possible addict was also alarming which was 54.89%. Early
recognition of internet addiction and appropriate preventive measures
should be taken and awareness campaign should be regularly conducted
regarding use of internet and its addiction among the students.
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Copyright (c) 2021 Vineet Kumar, Ajay K Prajapati, Kanchan Soni, Rakesh K Bharti, Vidya Rani, Naresh Pal Singh
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