Does loneliness, self‐esteem and psychological distress correlate with problematic internet use? A Bangladeshi survey study

Apr 4, 2020Asia-Pacific psychiatry : official journal of the Pacific Rim College of Psychiatrists

Loneliness, self-esteem, and mental distress linked to problematic internet use in Bangladesh

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Abstract

The prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) among Bangladeshi university students is 16.5%.

Sleep disturbance is associated with increased risk of PIU.
Not using the internet for academic purposes is linked to higher levels of PIU.
Engaging in online chatting may contribute to the likelihood of experiencing PIU.
Loneliness and psychological distress are positively correlated with PIU.
Self-esteem is negatively correlated with PIU.

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BACKGROUND: Researchers have claimed that problematic internet use (PIU) and internet addiction (IA) is a global mental health problem. However, little research has addressed this issue in Bangladesh and no previous study has examined the relationship between PIU and potential psychological risk factors.

AIM: The present study examined the prevalence of PIU and its associated risk factors including socio-demographic variables, internet use behaviors, and other psychological variables including loneliness, self-esteem, and psychological distress.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Bangladeshi students (N = 605). Measures included the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Using a cut-off score of ≤60 (out of 100) on the IAT, the prevalence of PIU was 16.5% (n = 100). Regression analysis showed that sleep disturbance (more or less than 6-7 hours sleeping time), not using internet for academic purposes, and online chatting were risk factors for PIU. Loneliness and psychological distress were positively correlated with PIU, whereas self-esteem was negatively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights that PIU among Bangladeshi university students is an issue of concern and that targeted prevention is needed among emerging adults to help overcome the potentially negative effects of problematic internet use.

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Does loneliness, self‐esteem and psychological distress correlate with problematic internet use? A Bangladeshi survey study

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