Internet addiction among undergraduate medical students in Myanmar: A cross-sectional study

Pa Pa Soe; Khin May Oo; Phoo Nay Chi; Phyo Thet Naing Win; Win Myint Oo

doi:10.4103/2773-0344.376723

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Year : 2023 \| Volume : 3 \| Issue : 1 \| Page : 9

Internet addiction among undergraduate medical students in Myanmar: A cross-sectional study Pa Pa Soe¹, Khin May Oo², Phoo Nay Chi³, Phyo Thet Naing Win⁴, Win Myint Oo⁵ ¹ Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, University of Medicine(2), Yangon 11031, Myanmr ² Department of Public Health Laboratory, University of Public Health, Yangon 11131, Myanmar ³ Pasadena City College, Pasadena, California 91106-2003, USA ⁴ Freelance Researcher, Yangon 11091, Myanmar ⁵ ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand Correspondence Address: Win Myint Oo ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170 Thailand Source of Support: This research is partially funded by IR grant (MOHS, 2020), and Internal Research grant from Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar, Conflict of Interest: None DOI: 10.4103/2773-0344.376723

Objective: To determine the prevalence of internet addiction and its associated factors among undergraduate students attending medical universities in Myanmar. Methods: Internet addiction was assessed using Young’s internet addiction test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the factors associated with internet addiction. Altogether 950 students from all medical universities were included in the study voluntarily. Result: The prevalence of internet addiction in the study population was 72.2% (95%CI: 69.3%, 75.0%). According to the results of multiple logistic regression analysis, age, percentage of pocket money spent for internet, time spent per day using the internet, peer pressure, health-related behaviours (irregular meals, sleep disturbances, and missing social gatherings), and academic performance (postponement of the study and inability to concentrate on studying) were significant predictors of internet addiction. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of internet addiction among Myanmar undergraduate medical students. Appropriate interventions, including promotion and strengthening of active and healthy lifestyles among students, should be implemented to prevent internet addiction and its adverse outcomes.



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