ASSOCIATION OF INTERNET ADDICTION WITH QUALITY OF SLEEP AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS; A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Internet addiction is a growing concern for medical students, where the quality of sleep and academic performance can negatively affect. This study aimed to evaluate the association of Internet addiction with quality of sleep and academic results among medical students.

Methods: A case control study was carried out in the department of psychiatry, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, for three months ( April 2025 till June 2025). A total of 100 medical students from 18 to 25 years were registered, including 50 cases (Internet addicts; Young Internet Addiction Test ≥80) and 50 controls (non -addicted). The quality of sleep was evaluated using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), while the academic performance was measured by the most recent MBBS professional exam scores. The associations were analyzed using T tests of Chi-square with p <0.05 considered significant.

Results: Students with Internet addiction demonstrated significantly poorer sleep quality (PSQI score: 10.22 ± 2.69 vs. 4.00 ± 1.46, p <0.001) and lower academic performance (56.09% ± 7.90 vs. 68.23% ± 7.54, p <0.001). All Internet addict students reported bad dream compared to any in the control group. Academic scores (> 60%) were achieved in 30% of addicts versus 92% of the controls. The variables like male gender, the highest BMI and the low socioeconomic status were significantly associated with Internet addiction.

Conclusion: Internet addiction is strongly associated with deteriorated quality of sleep and reduced academic performance among medical students. Early identification and specific interventions are crucial to avoid these consequences