Internet addiction and its association with sleep and depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical and nursing students at BPKIHS

Background : Internet accessibility is rapidly increasing, bringing the world closer together. However, excessive internet use may lead to behavioral addictions that have adverse psychological and physical health effects. High academic demands and unsupervised internet use may increase vulnerability to internet addiction (IA) among students. This study assesses the prevalence of IA and its association with insomnia, depressive symptoms, and behavioral factors among undergraduate students in Eastern Nepal. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 undergraduate medical and nursing students at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan. Students were randomly selected, and data was collected through a self-reported questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics and scales such as Young’s Internet Addiction Test, Insomnia Severity Indexand Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression. Results : Approximately one-fourth (23.2%, 95% CI=17.7%-29.5%) of students reported having IA. The proportion of insomnia and major depression were 12.8% and 21.3% respectively. Students with IA were significantly more likely to have clinical insomnia symptoms (OR=4.00, p=0.004) and experience depressivesymptoms (OR=2.70, p=0.015) compared to students without IA (p<0.001). There was a significant association of IA with problematic alcohol use (OR=3.1, p=0.043). Multivariable analysis confirmed the association of insomnia and depression with IA even after adjusting for potential factors. Conclusion : The prevalence of IA was relatively high among students studying medicine and nursing and strongly associated with insomnia and depression. These findings highlight the need for awareness about its effects on mental health through community or educational intervention.