Problematic Internet Use, Sleep Quality and Academic Achievement In Turkish University Students

Abstract

Background: Problematic internet use (PIU) is continuous failure to control the use of the internet by individuals themselves along with the impairment of their lives in important dimensions such as health, family and business. PIU causes psychological, social and physical health problems especially among young people. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between PIU, sleep quality and academic achievement in Turkish university students. Methods: The study sample consisted of 912 university students. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Problematic Internet Use Scale. Results: The percentage of the sample who used the internet every day was 70.7%. The mean length of the internet use in 54.4% of the students varied from 61-120 minutes. Poor sleep quality was reported by 78.9% of the students. Problematic internet use was more common among the students who used the internet every day, who spent at least 121 minutes on the internet at each use, who preferred to use the internet at night, whose academic achievement score was <2,5 point and whose mothers had lower levels of education. Conclusion: Health professionals need to be aware the effects of today's developing technologies on young people's health and they should inform young people about the consequences of heavy use of the internet.