ArticleBMJ open2026
Association between depression, anxiety and loneliness with internet addictions among public university students in Malaysia.
Article in BMJ open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectiveTo determine the prevalence of internet addiction and examine its association with psychological factors specifically depression, anxiety and loneliness among Malaysian public university students.
designCross-sectional study.
settingAll public universities in Malaysia, 20 universities.
participantsThe study included 7278 students from 20 public universities in Malaysia.
main outcome measuresStatistical analyses were performed usingSTATA V.17 software. Descriptive statistics summarised participants' demographic characteristics, prevalence of internet addiction and psychological distress (depression, anxiety and loneliness). Pearson's correlation was used to assess bivariate relationships between internet addiction and psychological variables, while multiple logistic regression identified independent factors associated with internet addiction after adjusting for significant confounders.
resultsThe study found that 38.6% of the students showed signs of internet addiction, along with a high level of psychological distress; 24.8% had depressive symptoms, 32.4% experienced anxiety and 35.5% reported loneliness. Moderate positive correlations were observed between internet addiction and depression, anxiety and loneliness (p<0.00). Multivariate analyses adjusted for field of study, gender and ethnicity confirmed these associations.
conclusionThe findings indicate significant associations between internet addiction and psychological factors such as depression, anxiety and loneliness. A comprehensive, multifaceted approach is essential to address psychological distress among university students and reduce the risk of internet addiction.
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