INTERNET ADDICTION AND RELATED RISK FACTORS AMONG FACULTY OF NURSING STUDENT AT EL FAYUOM AND DAMMAM UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Background: University students are greatly susceptible to internet addiction; appropriate interventions should be taken to forestall possible impact of Internet addiction on students. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of internet addiction and its related risk factors among faculties of nursing students at El Fayuom and Dammam universities. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional survey designed in view of a self-administered questionnaire directed to the 300 undergraduate nursing students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the following data: Socio-demographic data, History of (Mental Health Status, Psychological or Behavioral Disorder, student Physical Illness, Family Physical Illness and Psychiatric Illness) and Arabic version of Young internet addiction test. Results: About half of the students in total sample were ranked at mild level of internet addiction. Most of the students, especially the Egyptians, were suffering from anxiety and stress as well as used internet more than Saudi Arabia students. There was positive correlation between internet addiction and disturbances of digestive system. Recommendation: Continuous screening for Internet addiction throughout the course of students' study. Proper caring like stress management should be needed for those internet-addicted students