Abstract: Internet is an important part of our daily lives and its usage has grown rapidly worldwide. The internet is used for a variety of activities including studying, playing online games, sending emails and engaging in real time chatting. Internet addiction among 187 clinical medical students in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Awka, Nigeria was studied. Males were 108 (57.8%) and the age group 21-24 years had the highest proportion of students (53.4%). Majority, 186 (99.5%) had access to the internet and 66 (35.3%) spent 4 hour or more daily on the internet. The average monthly expenditure on internet access ranged from N200 to N10,000 (approximately $0.44 - $22.22) with modal expenditure of N1,000 ($2.22). Those that frequently, often or always neglected their studies to stay online were 20 (10.7%), 20 (10.7%) and 11(5.9%) respectively. Results also showed that 1.1%, 20.3% and 41.7% were severely, moderately and mildly addicted to internet use, respectively. Younger age <25 years was significantly associated with internet addiction (p <0.05). There was no significant association between sex, class level, residence and internet addiction (p > 0.05). The most commonly used gadget for browsing the internet was mobile phone, 179 (95.7%). Awareness on the effects of internet addiction should be created.
Keywords: Internet, addiction, medical students, Awka, Nigeria.
Title: INTERNET ADDICTION AMONG CLINICAL MEDICAL STUDENTS IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA
Author: Chinyerem Cynthia Nwachukwu, Ifeoma Anne Njelita, Gabriel Ifeanyi Eyisi, Chijioke Amara Ezenyeaku, Amaechi Chinedu Nwachukwu
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 11, Issue 2, April 2023 - June 2023
Page No: 179-187
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 11-May-2023
