Knowledge of and Attitude towards Internet Addiction among Undergraduate Students in University of Benin, Edo State, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The use of Internet has become a common phenomenon among students all over the world. Today, the Internet is used for many purposes, including education. However, excessive Internet use leads to the creation of a nonchemical addiction similar in nature to substance abuse, known as ‘internet addiction.’ This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude toward Internet addiction among undergraduates in Benin City.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross‑sectional study among undergraduate students at the University of Benin. Respondents were selected using a multi‑stage random sampling technique comprising three stages. Data were collected using a pre‑tested, structured, interviewer‑administered questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed using six domains, while attitude was assessed using a 5‑point Likert scale. Data were analysed with IBM SPSS version 22.0. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results: Four‑hundred and ninety‑nine respondents with a mean age (standard deviation) of 20.5 ± 2.7 years participated in this study. The majority, 403 (81.4%) of respondents had a good knowledge of Internet addiction. A higher proportion of 296 (59.3%) of respondents had a negative attitude (averse) towards Internet addiction. The course of the study (P < 0.001), living in the hostel (P = 0.034) associated with good knowledge and negative attitude toward Internet addiction.
Conclusion: The study showed a good knowledge and negative attitude toward Internet addiction among the studied population. Continuous education on the healthy use of the Internet is recommended