COMPULSIVE INTERNET USE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM A NORTH INDIAN TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTION

Abstract

Background: Compulsive Internet Use (CIU), commonly referred to as internet addiction, is a growing behavioural problem that adversely affects psychological health, academic performance, and social relationships. With increasing dependence on digital technology, medical students represent a high-risk group for developing CIU. Aim: To determine the prevalence of compulsive internet use among undergraduate medical students and to assess its correlation with demographic and social factors. Settings and Design: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of a medical college in Srinagar, Kashmir, India. Methods and Materials: A total of 281 students who had been using the internet for at least three months were included. Data were collected using a pre-tested, validated questionnaire comprising sociodemographic variables and Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analysed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics, proportions, and Chi-square tests were applied, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of 281 participants, 66% demonstrated internet addiction, with 43% showing mild and 23% moderate addiction. Gender, year of study, place of stay, socioeconomic class, parental education, duration of internet use, money spent, and purpose of internet use showed statistically significant associations with CIU (p < 0.05). Mobile phones were the primary device used (98%), and addicted students spent 6.5–7.2 hours online daily. Conclusions: A high prevalence of compulsive internet use was observed among medical students. Targeted interventions, including digital literacy, counselling, and awareness programs, are essential to promote balanced and healthy internet habits.