Problematic Internet use and its associated factors among resident physicians at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Problematic internet use (PIU), also known as internet addiction, is a growing concern in today’s society. PIU has been linked to a range of negative outcomes. There is still much that is not understood about the prevalence and consequences of PIU especially in Africa including Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Problematic internet use and its associated factors among resident physicians at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2023, to November 25, 2023, G.C. at SPHMMC. The sample size was 417 residents who were selected by using multistage random sampling techniques, and Young’s Internet addiction test was used to assess PIU. To look for associations, logistic regression analysis, both binary and multivariable, was done. The variables with an association with the outcome variable with a p value of <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance in the final multivariable logistic regression. Result: This study included 414 participants with a response rate of 99.3%. The prevalence of PIU was 46.6%, with a 95% CI of 41.7–51.6%. The multivariable logistic regression model revealed that being married (AOR: 0.42, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.91), residents of the obstetrics and gynecology department (AOR: 0.32, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.81), using the internet for 5 or more hours per day (AOR: 1.84, 95% CI = 1.14, 2.99), having less than 7 hours of actual sleep per night (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI = 1.03, 4.53), and having depression (AOR: 7.98, 95% CI = 2.47, 25.78) were significantly associated with PIU. Conclusion: This study revealed a high PIU use among resident physicians at SPHMMC. Being married, residents of the obstetrics and gynecology department, using the internet for 5 or more hours per day, having less than 7 hours of actual sleep per night, and having depression were found to be significantly associated with PIU. Thus, creating awareness among medical residents and involving all stakeholders’ to reduce the prevalence and effect of PIU is recommended. Keywords: Problematic Internet Use (PIU), Internet Addiction (IA), Resident Physicians, Ethiopia