The Rate of Internet Anxiety among Kerman Dentistry School Students

Internet has been developed as the most popular media in the last years, due to its specific characteristics such as convenient access and use, user security and low cost. The aim of the present study was to investigate the rate of internet anxiety among Kerman dentistry school students.
This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 235 dental students selected through census sampling method. Data were collected through a questionnaire of demographics features (age, sex) and internet anxiety questionnaire (consisting 20 items). Data were analyzed through SPSS18 software and using t- test and linear regression tests. Statistical significant level was considered at POf the 235 participants, 141 (60%) were female. Mean age of students was 23.85±5.36 years. Mean score of internet anxiety was 54.01±8.39 from 100. Based on anxiety severity, 57 ones (24.3%) were in normal range 176 ones (74.9%) had mild anxiety and 2 students (0.8%) had severe internet anxiety. There was significant correlation between the mean score of internet anxiety and year of education and hours of using internet (P=0.028, P=0.017 respectively).
In regard to the necessity of using Internet in education, holding educational programs for safe Internet use and preventing Internet anxiety are recommended.