Nurse Educ Today. 2019 Jul 12;81:78-82. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2019.07.004.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
This study aimed to describe the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) among undergraduate students, and its impact on psychological distress and coping strategies.
METHODS:
Data were collected using a convenience sample of 163 student nurses.
FINDINGS:
The results showed that there was high prevalence rate of IA among students. In addition, the use of avoidance and problem-solving coping mechanism was statistically significant among the IA group compared with the non-IA group (p < 0.05). This was associated with a more negative impact on psychological distress and self-efficacy (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
IA is an increasing problem in the general population and among university students. It can affect many aspects of a student’s life and performance.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS:
The results will raise awareness of the deleterious effects of IA on a wide range of student life.
KEYWORDS: Coping mechanism; Cross-sectional; Education; Perceived stress; Students; University
PMID: 31352247