Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Its Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Students at the University of Botswana
A Cross-Sectional Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13775554 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lorato Keutule (0009-0005-4137-1275, University of Botswana, corresponding author), Keneilwe Molebatsi (0000-0003-4741-3278, University of Botswana), Anthony A Olashore (0000-0002-7608-0671, University of Botswana) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 63 |
| Pages | 469580261432826-469580261432826 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | INQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0046-9580 • E-ISSN: 1945-7243 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/00469580261432826 |
| PMID | 41873678 |
| OpenAlex | W7140185793 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 32 |
Internet Addiction (IA) is an emerging public health concern, especially among young adults. It has been associated with various psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety. Despite increasing internet access in Botswana, local data on IA and its psychological correlates remain limited. This study investigates the prevalence and patterns of internet addiction and its association with depression and anxiety among undergraduate students at the University of Botswana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 undergraduate students from 5 randomly selected faculties. Participants completed the Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The mean age was 21.42 years (SD = 4.36); 52.2% were female. The prevalence of IA was 88.4%. Social networking was the most common reason for internet use (91.8%). High depression scores were observed in 64% of participants, and moderate anxiety levels in 47%. Depression ( B = 0.26; P B = 0.12; P B = 0.33; P < .001) were significant predictors of IA. IA is common among university students in Botswana and is linked to depression and anxiety. These findings underscore the importance of routine screening, education, and psychological support in universities
Addiction · Anxiety · Depression (economics · Descriptive statistics · Mental health · Public health · Scale (ratio · The Internet · Cyberloafing and Workplace Behavior · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |