The Effect of Internet Addiction on the Executive Functions and Communication Skills among University Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: In this era of technology, Internet use has tremendously increased worldwide. There are growing concerns about internet addiction among university students; hence, the students’ pattern of use can adversely affect their executive functions and communication skills. Aim of the study: This study aimed to examine the effect of internet addiction on executive function and communication skills among university nursing students. Research Design: a descriptive, correlational study design. Study Setting: The study conducted in the college of nursing at Zagazig University, Egypt. Study Sample:A Convenience sample of (300) nursing students. Tools of data collection: Three tools utilized; namely, Internet addiction Test (IAT), Executive functioning scale. And Communication skill evaluation scale. Results: The findings of this study showed that (41%) of nursing students had moderate level of internet addiction, (44.7%) of studied nursing students had low level of communication skills while (42 %) of them had moderate level and (66%) of studied nursing students had moderate level of executive functions in addition to there was a negative highly statistically significant correlation between nursing students` total score of internet addiction, communication skills, and executive functions. Conclusion: The study concluded that there highly statistical negative correlation between nursing students` total scores of internet addiction, communication skills, and executive functions. Recommendations: Implementing more effective intervention programs for the vulnerable group of Internet addiction.