Problematic Internet use in Engineering Students and Its Relation to Psychosomatic Symptoms

Abstract

Problematic internet use (PIU) is a raising phenomena affecting people with varying frequency around the world and has produced negative impacts on the physical and psychological health. This study conducted to find out severity of internet addiction and its relations with psychosomatic symptoms among engineering students. A descriptive correlational survey was conducted comprising 99 engineering students. PIU was assessed by the 20 items Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) and psychosomatic problems were assessed by using depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS) and somatic complaints checklist. Of the 99 students, 62 (62.6%) were males and 64.6% belong to 20–22 years of age group. 6.1% students reported severe internet addiction and it was found positively related to depression (r=.413, p<.01), anxiety (r=.262, p<.01), stress (r=.410, p<.01) and somatic symptoms (r=.0.376, p<.01). PIU is common among engineering students and significantly related with depression, anxiety, stress and other psychosomatic symptoms. Effective measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the disease and intervention to prevent the effects of PIU on psychosomatic symptoms as early as possible.

Keywords: Internet use, students, psychosomatic complaints