Journal of Research and Advancement in Dentistry
Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Year : 2016
Volume : Volume 6
Issue : Issue 1
Address for correspondence :
Dr. Lav Kumar Niraj
mr078242@gmail.com
Background: Internet is a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols. Internet use has been increasing with very high speed in the worldwide. Internet usage is a double ended sword acting as a boon or bane depends upon the usage of internet. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire based cross sectional study was carried out on the dental students, aged 18 to 34 years in Modinagar city, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 490 students using internet were included in the study. Young’s Internet addiction scale, consisting of 20-item, based upon five-point Likert scale was used and subjects were classified into normal users (score <30), mild (score 30-49), moderate (score 50-79) and severe (score >79) internet addiction. Results: Of the total 490 students, 409 students were fulfilled the questionnaire and were finally included in the study. Thus, majority (53.5%) of the participants were female. In the present study out of 409 participants, 187 (45.7%) subjects were having mild internet addiction, 131 (32.0%) subjects were having moderate internet addiction.) and 91 (22.2%) were not addicted to internet use; none of subjects were having severe internet addiction. Relationship between level of addiction with time spent and amount spent is significant. Conclusion: Internet addiction is growing problem among dental students, so it is necessary to develop strategies for prevention of internet addiction as well as therapeutic interventions, which is vital for promoting healthy and safe use of the Internet. The need of the hour is to create awareness among the public, plan public health policies with regard to this behavioral addiction, and conduct further research to support the same.
Keywords: Internet Addiction; Internet Addiction Score; Young’s Internet Addiction Scale; Likert Scale.
