Exploring internet addiction during Covid-19 pandemic: a comparative study considering psychological, social, familial and individual aspects in University students.

Background: Internet addiction causes a variety of social, interpersonal, psychological, and physical issues. We are confronting a worldwide crisis about internet addiction and its effects.

Objectives: Utilizing five questionnaires to survey university students during the COVID-19 epidemic, the current study sought to evaluate internet addiction and associated risk variables.

Methods: At the University of Medical Sciences in North Iran, a cross-sectional analytical investigation was carried out. The sample was done among 318 students, selected through the random cluster sampling method. Data collection was done during August and September 2021.

Results: Based on our findings, the prevalence of internet addiction was 28.9% (92/318). Our results revealed that women are at twice the twice the risk of internet addiction as men ( = 0.028). Students in the medicinal field ( = 0.043; students with a positive history of mental illness in the family)  = 0.001 (and students with a fear of COVID-19)  = 0.002 (recognized in the risk of Internet addiction, thus depression)  < 0.001 (anxiety)  < 0.001 (somatization)  = 0.001 (and psychological distress)  < 0.001 are risk factors for internet addiction. Age, marital status, place of living, total social support, and use of Alcohol/cigarettes are not risk factors for internet addiction.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that university students with a fear of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, somatization, psychological distress and a positive history of mental illness in the family, particularly medicinal field students, are at significant risk for Internet addiction.