Identifying and Understanding the Factors of Problematic Pornography Use Among Undergraduate Students: A Mixed Method Study Protocol

Introduction: Problematic Pornography Use (PPU) is defined as the inability to control pornography consumption to the extent that it disrupts daily life. Despite its growing prevalence, especially among youth, factors contributing to PPU in Malaysia are poorly understood due to ethical, societal, and legal barriers. This study aims to identify and un-derstand the factors contributing to PPU among undergraduate students at a public university by employing the Bio-psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors framework. Methods: The study will employ a convergent mixed-methods design. The quantitative phase will involve 568 undergraduate students, selected via stratified proportionate random sampling, using a self-administered survey questionnaire to investigate potential PPU factors. Concurrently, students without PPU who are identified through screening will be invited to participate in in-depth qualitative interviews and photovoice methods to capture their perspectives on protective factors. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and Logistic Regression, while qualitative data will undergo Thematic Analysis. Findings will be integrated throughout the study design, interpretation, and reporting stages. Conclusion: Combining qualitative and quantitative methods is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to PPU among Malaysian undergraduates. The findings may help guide the development of evidence-based policies and programs to address problematic pornography-related issues.