INTERNET ADDICTION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN DHAKA CITY: PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Abstract

Internet addiction is a growing public health concern globally, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of internet addiction among medical students during the pandemic and identify associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire and Young's internet addiction test with 439 medical students from 20 public and private medical colleges in Dhaka city. The study found that 33.7% of the medical students were identified as addicted to the internet. Spending more than four hours per day online, staying in private accommodations, monthly internet expenditure, physical inactivity, and maintaining social distancing were significantly associated with internet addiction. The study highlights the need to strengthen education and provide preventive measures for internet addiction among medical students, especially during the pandemic. Additionally, promoting mental health literacy, psychological warning signs, and adaptive psychiatric services is critical during this challenging time.