WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Zahraa Sabah Mohammed*, Ali Abdulridha Abutiheen, Muntather Qasim Mahmoud

ABSTRACT

Background: Internet addiction (IA) is characterized by the inability to control internet use, resulting in impaired social, academic, occupational, and psychological functioning. Excessive smartphone use has been linked to behavioral problems, reduced academic performance, poor social interaction, relationship difficulties, and physical complaints such as blurred vision and musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IA among preparatory school students and examine its association with sleep quality. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among preparatory school students in Karbala, Iraq, using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey included three sections: sociodemographic characteristics, a 10-item Internet Addiction Scale (SAS-SV), and a 13-item questionnaire assessing sleep habits, sleep problems, and sleep quality. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Results: A total of 476 students participated; 58.2% were male, with a mean age of 16.93 ± 1.17 years. Instagram was the most frequently used application (68.9%). Based on the SAS-SV, 28.6% of participants met the criteria for internet addiction. IA was more common among males than females (36.5% vs. 17.6%). significant association was observed between IA and poor sleep quality, with 55.5% of addicted students reporting very poor sleep. Approximately 60% also reported excessive daytime sleepiness during lessons and difficulty waking in morning. Conclusion: Internet addiction affects nearly one-third of preparatory students and is more prevalent among males. Instagram and smartphones are the dominant platforms for internet use. IA is significantly associated with poor sleep quality and unhealthy sleep habits, highlighting the need for targeted preventive and educational interventions.

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