Internet addiction and health problems through smartphone among international students in a university in Bangkok Thailand : online questionnaire

Abstract

The increase in Internet use through smartphones, particularly among the generation Y group, has brought about several health challenges in today’s society. Few studies have investigated the issue of Internet addiction (IA) through the smartphone in Bangkok to date. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess IA level and to determine Internet-related health problems among international program students in a university in Bangkok. Further, this study sought to determine the association between level of smartphone IA and health problems. Data regarding the pattern of Internet use, IA level, and related health problems were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the instrument were evaluated and deemed acceptable for research prior to use. Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), a standardized instrument, was used to measure the IA level (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact test. Of the 351 participants (mean age 26.8 years, SD ± 7.1), 44% were in the level of mild IA, 34% in the moderate level, and 3% severe level. Overall, eye strain was most reported by the participants (73%). More than one-third of all participants said having had experienced headaches (41%), inadequate sleep (55%), and cramped hand/wrist/arm (40%); accidents were the least reported (21%). IA level was significantly associated with the occurrence of eye strain, inadequate sleep, and hand/wrist/arm cramping. The evidence based of this study regarding Internet addiction and health problems may point to strategic plan of prevention and intervention for implementing policy in the future.