Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorderand Internet Addiction among Medical Students at a Tertiary Teaching Institute in South India

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms as well
as internet addiction in medical undergraduates and to evaluate the relationship between ADHD status and internet
addiction. Design: An analytical cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was carried out at a tertiary teaching
institute in South India. Participants: Overall, 950 medical undergraduates aged 17–25 years participated in the
study. Adult ADHD was assessed with the Adult ADHD self-report scale, and internet addiction was evaluated
using the internet addiction test. Outcome Measures: The primary outcomes were the prevalence of adult ADHD
symptoms and internet addiction. Internet use was categorized as normal, mild, moderate, or severe addiction.
The association between ADHD status and internet addiction was analyzed using a Chi-square test and odds ratios
with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Participants had a mean age of 20.6 ± 1.7 years, and 58.2% were
female. ADHD symptoms were identified in 20.0% of students. The prevalence of internet addiction was 65.5%,
with 45.1% at moderate to severe levels. The higher the degree of Internet addiction, the higher the prevalence of
ADHD symptoms. The adjusted analysis showed that mild (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.20–
3.51), moderate (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.86–5.23) and severe addiction (AOR = 4.71; 95% CI: 2.80–7.94)
were significantly associated with higher odds of ADHD symptoms (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Internet addiction
was prevalent and strongly associated with ADHD symptoms, despite the moderate prevalence of adult ADHD.
Integrated screening strategies are recommended to support student mental health and academic functioning.