Internet Addiction among University Students during Covid-19 Lockdown: Case Study of Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

The impact of the recent global pandemic is multifaceted, affecting every aspect of human existence. Many studies conducted during this period have focused on the direct implications of the pandemic on human health and the economy, with only a few focusing on other possible implications. This survey aimed to elucidate the possible impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on internet addiction (IA) among university students in Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey, 202 students were randomly selected to fill the standardized internet addiction test (IAT) online. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The respondents had an average age of 20.9±2.3 years and an average IAT score of 32.6±14.4, with the highest score being 79 out of 100. The majority of the students were categorized as normal internet users (45%), 42% as mildly addicted, and 13% as moderately addicted. None of the students were severely addicted. There were statistically significant associations derived between IA and income status (p=0.000), boredom (p=0.000), and Faculty of study (p=0.011). The results indicated that boredom was a key factor that had an impact on IA. The closure of schools, restriction of movement, reduced engagements, and seizures of allowances/stipends made the students vulnerable to IA.

The Relationship between Internet Addiction, Internet Gaming and Anxiety among Medical Students in a Malaysian Public University during COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Furthermore, there is a wide variation of its prevalence among countries. A recent study conducted in Indonesia revealed the prevalence of IA among adults was only 15%, while in Nigeria, the prevalence was up to 55% among university students [30,31]. In another study, among the general population in Taiwan, the prevalence of IA was only 24.4% which was lower than the prevalence of this study [32,33].…”

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Internet Addiction among Clinical Medical Students of a Nigerian Private University

“…The mean IAT score of 30.57 in this study corresponds to mild internet addiction and is comparable with the findings of a study done in Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria where a mean IAT score of 32.6 was found [26]. However, Omoyemiju et al [24] found a higher mean score of 48.16 in the same Southwest Nigeria.…”

“…This finding could be explained by the fact that younger individuals are more conversant with the use of the internet and thus more likely to develop internet addiction [34][35][36]. Some other researchers [5,26] have however, reported no association between age and internet addiction.…”

“…Considering the shift towards online learning and increased use of the internet in the face of the global corona virus pandemic [25], the risk of internet addiction is potentially higher due to the high rate of internet penetration by university students across the nation [26]. The findings of this work will add to the existing pool of knowledge on internet addiction among undergraduate medical students and could be used to help mental health and educational agencies design programs aimed at preventing the occurrence of internet addiction.…”

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Nigerian youths

“…However, recent studies have reported that over 90% of university students believed COVID-19 is real, with a significant portion even predisposed to mental health challenges. [ 27 28 ] A study in Indonesia revealed that a high COVID-19 risk perception influenced respondents' willingness to accept the vaccine. [ 29 ] Similarly, Al-Mohaithef et al .…”