Prevalence of Problematic Internet Use and its Association with Psychological Distress and Coping Strategies among Universiti Teknologi Mara Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the day-to-day life of Malaysians and brought serious impact on mental health. Due to the practice of physical distancing, the Internet technology was used to accommodate the daily interactions. In view of the increasing dependency towards the use of this technology, its impact on the mental health well-being is indeterminate. This study aimed was to examine the association between problematic Internet use, psychological distress, and the type of coping strategies used by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) undergraduate and postgraduate students during this pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey using Internet Addiction Test, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and Brief COPE Inventory was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 444 respondents, 32.2% were noted to have problematic Internet use with 61.3% reporting psychological distress. Problematic Internet use was associated with higher levels of psychological distress (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01 – 1.08), and the coping strategies of self-distraction (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04 – 1.47) and behavioural disengagement (OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.07–1.55). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of psychological distress and its association with problematic Internet use and maladaptive coping among UiTM students during this pandemic was evident in this study. Hence, our findings can help to provide insight on the state of the psychological well-being of students in higher education institutions as well as to assist the stakeholders of UTM in taking measures to help the students dealing with the pandemic