Prevalence of Internet Addiction and its Related Determinants Among Medical Students at Al-Kindy College of Medicine

Qays Ahmed Hassan, Department of Radiology, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, IraqFollow
Shaymaa Khalid Abdulqader, Department of Radiology, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, IraqFollow
Afram Ayman Mousa, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, IraqFollow
Malak Muneer Qasim, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, IraqFollow
Farah Majed Salman, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, IraqFollow

Article Type

Article

Abstract

Background: Internet addiction has emerged as a contemporary issue. Medical students in particular are at higher risk to internet addiction due to high academic pressures. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at Al-Kindy College of Medicine during the academic year 2024–2025. A total of 200 students completed the 10- item modified Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire survey which was disseminated through the official university platform. Results: A total of 200 participants enrolled, 133 (66.5%) were female, and most were in the third stage of study (63.5%). Spending more than 6 hours daily on screens features by 49% of the students, with social media being the primary reason for use (46.5%), followed by academic purposes (30%). Urges to check phones was reported by 67.5%. Psychological symptoms were reported as sleep difficulties in 36%, anxiety in 35%, boredom or worry when disconnected in 44%. Physical symptoms in form of headaches or neck pain were reported in 52.5%. Impact on academic performance was informed by 69% of students, with 52.5% describing distraction. The mean total addiction score was 74.7 ± 11.4, with 64% classified as moderate and 36% as severe. Female students had significantly higher mean scores than males (76.3 ± 11.3 vs. 71.7 ± 11.1, p = 0.001). Most students (85.5%) demonstrated self-awareness by attempting to limit usage, mainly through setting time limits (44%). Conclusion: The study revealed a considerable prevalence of internet addiction among medical students, underscoring the addictive potential of social media and the need for institutional strategies to promote healthier digital habits.

Keywords

Internet addiction, Medical students, Academic performance, Mental health, Social isolation, Digital well-being

Recommended Citation

Hassan, Qays Ahmed; Abdulqader, Shaymaa Khalid; Mousa, Afram Ayman; Qasim, Malak Muneer; and Salman, Farah Majed (2026) "Prevalence of Internet Addiction and its Related Determinants Among Medical Students at Al-Kindy College of Medicine," Muthanna Medical Journal: Vol. 13: Iss. 2, Article 6.
Available at: https://muthmj.mu.edu.iq/journal/vol13/iss2/6