A Cross Sectional Study in Indian Adult Population to Assess the Internet Addiction and its Effect on the Quality of Sleep

In contemporary society, the internet has become an integral aspect of daily life, alongside a concerning rise in internet addiction characterized by an overwhelming compulsion to engage with online activities. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent among the youth population in India, leading to various physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Despite its widespread impact, internet addiction has yet to be officially recognized as a disorder in diagnostic manuals like the DSM. A comprehensive meta-analysis spanning 80 studies across 31 countries revealed a global prevalence of internet addiction at 6%. In the Indian context, a study sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research surveyed 2,755 adults aged 18-65, identifying a prevalence rate of approximately 1.3%. Examining a sample of 303 adult participants in India, it was found that 33.3% exhibited signs of internet addiction, with 1.7% classified as severely addicted, 10.2% as moderately addicted, and 20.8% as mildly addicted. Notably, the majority of severely addicted individuals were in the 26-35 age group, while addiction rates were higher among males compared to females [1, 2]. Furthermore, analysis revealed a correlation between internet addiction and poor sleep quality, affecting 22.6% of addicted individuals, particularly males aged 18-25 and 26-35. These findings underscore the urgent need for further research and interventions to address the growing issue of internet addiction and its associated health impacts.