Prevalence of Cyberbullying and Its Association with Internet Addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder Among Medical Students of Western Gujarat; A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Increasing digital technology use has introduced important behavioural health concerns in student populations, including cyberbullying, internet addiction (IA), and internet gaming disorder (IGD).

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of cyberbullying and examine its associations with IA and IGD among undergraduate medical students in Western Gujarat.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 6 months among 160 MBBS students (≥18 years). Participants completed a socio-demographic proforma, Revised Cyberbullying Inventory (RCBI-R), Young’s Internet Addiction Test–Short Form (YIAT-SF), and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form (IGDS9-SF). Data were analysed in jamovi using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests; p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Participants’ mean age was 19.8 ± 0.9 years; 76 were male and 84 female. Moderate-to-severe IA prevalence was 19.4%, and nearly half had mild IA. Overall, 18.1% reported cyberbullying involvement (11.3% perpetrators; 6.9% victims). IGD prevalence was 7.5%. Cyberbullying involvement increased significantly with greater IA severity (χ²=87.3, df=6, p<0.01). IGD was significantly higher among students involved in cyberbullying than those never exposed (χ²=47.3, df=2, p<0.01). IGD prevalence also rose sharply with increasing IA severity (χ²=96.73, df=3, p<0.01).

Conclusions: Cyberbullying, IA, and IGD were prevalent and strongly associated in this medical student cohort, underscoring the need for screening and targeted preventive strategies. Gaming disorder is recognized in ICD-11 as impaired control, prioritization, and continuation despite negative consequences.