article · Journal of Public Health in Africa
A study of 830 undergraduates aged 18 to 24 across three public tertiary institutions in Lagos State investigated the prevalence of internet addiction and its links to psychological wellbeing. Data gathered via the Internet Addiction Test and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale revealed that 73.3 percent of the surveyed students experienced internet addiction. Critical predictors included institutional affiliation, living arrangements, duration of daily engagement, and the purpose and timing of use. Furthermore, positive correlations were identified between internet addiction and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. The findings highlight the need for universities and policymakers to increase awareness, provide context-sensitive mental health services, and design evidence-based strategies that encourage healthier online habits among tertiary students.
Understanding the mental health impacts of digital technology helps higher education institutions support student wellbeing. With nearly three-quarters of surveyed students showing signs of internet addiction linked to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression, the data provides administrators and health authorities with evidence to design targeted counselling and digital wellness initiatives.
The findings represent early-stage observational research that could inform the design of student support programmes, campus digital wellness policies, or mental health screening tools for universities and public health organisations. However, the abstract does not indicate an immediate commercial product, technology, or private application pathway.
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Background: Internet addiction (IA) is prevalent among Nigerian undergraduates. This study seeks to explore the broader mental health consequences of IA among diverse groups of students in Nigerian universities. Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence of IA among undergraduates in Lagos State and examine its relationship with health conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress. Setting: The research was conducted in three public tertiary institutions in Lagos State, involving 830 undergraduates aged 18–24 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a structured questionnaire, incorporating the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Chi-square tests determined associations and logistic regression identified predictors of IA. Data analyses were performed using IBM® SPSS 25.0. Results: The prevalence of IA was 73.3%. Certain critical predictors of IA emphasised the role of institutional affiliation, living arrangements, purpose and timing of use and duration of daily internet engagement. There were positive correlations between IA and depression (rs = 0.368), anxiety (rs = 0.359) and stress (rs = 0.401). Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of IA among undergraduates, with significant associations with depression, anxiety and stress. Contribution: The findings underscore the need to raise awareness about IA and also highlight the need for context-sensitive, evidence-based interventions and for universities and policymakers to implement strategies that aim at promoting healthier internet usage, improving mental health services and raising awareness of the risks associated with excessive online activities.
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DOI: 10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1254
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