Internet addiction during COVID-19 restricted movement period: A cross-sectional study from Bangladesh [version 1; peer review: 3 approved with reservations]

Background: The restricted movement period related to COVID-19 has presumably contributed to the deterioration of the Internet addiction crisis. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Internet addiction and identify the factors associated with the increase in severity of Internet addiction among the general population of Bangladesh during the COVID-19 related restricted movement period. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in Bangladesh from September 20 to October 5, 2020, and 315 Bangladeshi adults were included in the study. We used Young's Internet Addiction Scale to assess the prevalence of Internet addiction and identified the factors associated with the increase in severity of Internet addiction during the restricted movement period using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of Internet addiction was 39.7% among the general population of Bangladesh during the restricted movement period. Almost 75% of the respondents reported increased time spent on recreational use of the Internet during the period of interest, and 48.5% of the respondents reported increases in the severity of Internet addiction. In logistic regression analyses, the increase in severity of Internet addiction was found to be significantly associated with social class, occupation, sleeping hours, and increased time spent on recreational use of the internet (p < 0.05). Watching movies/series was the main activity of the respondents during the restricted movement period. Conclusion: Our study reported an increase in the prevalence of Internet addiction among the general population of Bangladesh during the restricted movement period. Social class, occupation, sleeping hours, and increased time spent on recreational use were the significant determinants of the increase in severity of Internet addiction. The policymakers should undertake tailored policies to prevent people from being victims of the consequences of psychological issues in the long run.