Personality Traits and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Individuals with Internet Use Disorder - A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Aim: The aim is to evaluate the association of personality traits, online activities, and psychiatric comorbidities with the Internet use disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 481 professional college students (18–25 years) pursuing graduation. Participants responded to an online questionnaire consisting of Young’s Internet addiction test, Internet Gaming Disorder scale-short form, Big Five inventory and behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system scales (BIS/BAS) scales, and subsequent in-clinic evaluation using MINI 7.0.2 questionnaire. Results: Of 481 college students, 175 (36.38%) had Internet use disorder. Of these, 115 were found to have mild, 57 moderate, and 3 severe Internet use disorders with a mean age of 20.85 ± 1.84 years and sex ratio of M:F: 0.9:1. The prevalence of Internet gaming disorder was found to be 0.42%. On multivariate logistic regression, use of chat rooms (odds ratio [OR] - 1.24), instant messaging (OR - 1.33), Internet gaming (OR - 1.25), and recreational surfing (OR - 1.25) were independent predictors for Internet use disorder. Among the personality traits, on multivariate logistic regression, neuroticism (OR - 1.06) and openness to experience (OR - 1.09) were positive predictors for the presence of Internet use disorder and moderate–severe Internet use, while conscientiousness (OR - 0.87) was negative predictor. 19.4% (34/175) of students had psychiatric comorbidities (1 comorbidity – 21 students, >1 comorbidities – 13 students); the most common being major depression (alone or in combination). Conclusions: In this study, neuroticism and openness to experience were found to be predictors of Internet use disorder as well as moderate–severe Internet use. In addition, the use of chat rooms, instant messaging, online gaming, and recreational surfing was associated with higher Internet use disorder. A large proportion of psychiatric comorbidities with Internet use disorder were found.