Association of Depression, Anxiety, and Musculoskeletal Symptoms with Internet Addiction Amongst Undergraduates of University

Abstract

Objective: To find association of depression, anxiety, and musculoskeletal symptoms with internet addiction
amongst undergraduates of King Edward Medical University during Covid-19 induced lockdown.
Method: This was a Cross-sectional analytical study, conducted in Biochemistry Department of KEMU,
Lahore from October to December 2020. A total of 400 undergraduate students enrolled in various programs
of the university, Lahore fulfilling selection criteria were included in the study. Data were recorded using
Google doc. Patient Health Questionnaire-2, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2, and Modified version of
Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were used to detect clinically significant depression, anxiety, and to
record musculoskeletal symptoms respectively. The participants were classified into three categories namely
low, moderate, and severe level of internet addiction based on Young's Internet Addiction Test score.
Results: The mean age of study subjects was 20.5 ± 1.5 years. Most of them were females (n=253, 63.3%),
and of MBBS degree program (n=268, 67%). Majority showed moderate level of internet addiction (n=287,
71.8%). Amongst those who had severe level of internet addiction, more (17%) were found to have anxiety as
compared to those who did not have it (6.8%). Similarly, more number (17.7%) was observed in depression
category than no depression category (5.9%). Likewise, comparing presence of musculoskeletal symptoms
with level of internet addiction, significant association was established (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Various levels of internet addiction amongst participants showed significant association with
anxiety, depression, and musculoskeletal symptoms during covid-19 induced lock down.

How to cite: Waheed NA, Rathore M, Ihsan A, Asif I, Ahmed R, Qureshi K. Association of Depression, Anxiety, and
Musculoskeletal Symptoms with Internet Addiction Amongst Undergraduates of University. Esculapio - JSIMS 2022;18(02):122-
128
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51273/esc22.251824