Determination of sosyodemographic characteristic, depression levelsin medi̇ci̇ne students and investigation of effects on internet addiction

SUMMARY Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the socio-demographic variables, internet addiction and depression levels of Dicle University Medical Faculty students and compare the relationships between them. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire form consisting of 51 questions, with sociodemographic data form, beck depression scale, and the short form of the internet addiction test was applied to the participants. Data were analyzed with 95% confidence level using SPSS 25.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) package program. Descriptive statistics were performed for the demographic features used in the study. Results: 152 (50.7%) males and 148 (49.1%) females participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 21,85±2,79. Of the participants, 40 (13.3%) were smoking and 260 (86.7%) were not. The mean BDS scores of male, female and total participants were; 12.44 ± 8.37, 12,66 ± 8,02, 11,06 ± 7,34 respectively. The mean YIAT-SF scores of male, female and total participants were averages 27,28 ± 8,77, 27,37 ± 8,99, 27.33 ± 8.87 respectively. In our study, BDS scores of smokers were found to be significantly higher (p=0,007). YIAT-SF scores were found to be significantly higher in the students whose mothers were university graduates (p=0,025). As the time spent on the internet increased, it was found that YIAT-SF scores increased (p=0,000). As the age increased, BDS and YIAT-SF scores decreased (p=0,040, p=0,046). As the grade level increased, BDS scores decreased (p=0,036). Conclusion: We determined that as the duration of daily internet use were increasing, the susceptibility to depression and the rates of internet addiction were increased. Further studies in which the purposes of internet use are questioned in detail and the success of the courses are evaluated thoroughly have been needed. The education and seminars about possible harms of internet addiction should be given to the students. The planing of rehabilitation studies about proper usage of internet in lessons and social lives of the students should be put on the agenda by the relevant units of the universities. KEYWORDS: Internet Addiction, Depression, Beck Depresssion Scale, Young Internet Addiction Test -Short Form