Evaluation of internet usage and quality of life among residents at trakya university faculty of medicine

This study aimed to examine the impact of leisure time internet usage and internet addiction on the quality of life of residents at Trakya University Faculty of Medicine. The research data were collected from a survey conducted with 305 volunteers who were residents at Trakya University Faculty of Medicine between April 15, 2024, and June 15, 2024. The survey consisted of 75 questions, including the Leisure Time Internet Usage Scale, the Addiction Profile Index–Internet Form, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Short Form, and questions related to the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. The survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews. Of the participants, 159 were women (52.1%) and 146 were men (47.9%), with an average age of 29,56 years. It was found that women and singles used the internet more for social interaction and shopping, while men and those without children consumed more multimedia content. More than half of the participants reported spending 4 or more hours per day on the internet. Regular physical activity, not smoking, and the absence of chronic illness were found to positively affect certain aspects of quality of life. The study found that using the internet for information search and personal development positively contributed to all domains of quality of life. However, internet addiction led to a decrease in physical, psychological, social, and environmental quality of life dimensions. These findings emphasize the need to address internet addiction holistically and highlight the importance of family physicians providing informed counseling on this issue.