The prevalence of Internet addiction and its impact on undergraduates’ mental health in Lagos state, Nigeria

Abstract

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 (r_s = 0.368), anxiety (r_s = 0.359) and stress (r_s = 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.