The Survey of Correlation between Internet Addiction and General Health Status among the Students of Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2010-2011, Qom, Iran

Nowadays, internet addiction is known as a psychological disorder in medical science and psychology. Comparing with average users, addicted user's public health are in great danger. This study aims to determine the relationship between internet addiction and student's public health in Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2010 to 2011(1389-1390) academic year. This descriptive study assessed 250 students of Qom university of medical sciences by means of two questionnaires: the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and addiction internet (IAT). The obtained data were analyzed by using statistical chi-square tests, ANOVA and T test and p<0.05 was considered as the significant level. In this study, 90% were mild addicted users to internet, 9.6% medium addicted users to internet and 4% of users had severe addiction to internet. The most desirable level of general health was observed in mild addicted users (p<0.05). Significant relationship between internet addiction and general health was not observed. Based on this study, it is necessary to consider internet addiction phenomenon as a serious problem to young generation's health and university officials who are responsible for their health should make a plan in educating and culture of using internet.