The Effect of Internet Addiction on the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Nursing Students

Internet addiction has been identified as a significant public health threat. The problems that associate with computer use meet the criteria for an addiction; therefore, it is recommended that internet addiction to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a mental illness. Measuring the prevalence of internet addiction among the undergraduate nursing students and the association with students’ academic performance are the objectives of this study. This quantitative study using a cross-sectional design to measure the prevalence of internet addiction disorder among undergraduate nursing students. A probability sample of consenting undergraduate nursing students (N = 100). About (45%) of nursing students were symptomatic for internet addiction. A significant correlation was found between students’ academic performance and internet addiction (P = > 0.05). Regarding students’ demographics, a significant correlation was found only between study stage and internet addiction (t =-.242, P = 0.015); in which that freshman and sophomore student at higher risk than junior and senior students. Nursing students spend more time on school works than non-academic internet related activities; however, they are at higher risk for internet addiction. Therefore, it is recommended that conducting educational programs should be conducted focusing on the problematic use of internet to increase students’ awareness toward internet addiction.