Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Its Association With Psychological Distress and Coping Strategies Among University Students in Jordan

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) and its association with psychological distress and coping strategies among university students in Jordan. DESIGN AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was used with a random sample of 587 university students in Jordan. The Perceived Stress Scale, Coping Behavior Inventory, and Internet Addiction Test were used. FINDINGS: The prevalence of IA was 40%. IA was associated with high mental distress among the students. Students who used problem solving were more likely to experience a lower level of IA. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study should raise awareness in nurses and other healthcare providers that IA is a potential problem for this population.