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<p>Despite extensive global research on social media addiction (SMA), evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa remains scarce. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), medical students may be particularly vulnerable to SMA due to increasing smartphone access and institutional Internet connectivity. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of SMA among Congolese medical students. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024 using multistage stratified random sampling across 15 provinces. Participants completed a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic variables, usage patterns, and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of SMA. Among 3,237 medical students (mean age 22.2 ± 3.7 years; 53.7% male), 802 (24.8%) met SMA criteria. Independent determinants included having a relative or friend who had recommended reducing social network use in the past year (adjusted OR = 2.35, 95% CI [1.97–2.80]; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), frequently keeping the phone in hand (OR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.41–2.02]; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), daily connection &gt; 2&#xa0;h (OR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.26–1.80]; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), Facebook use (OR = 1.36, 95% CI [1.00–1.84]; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), and using an Internet plan dedicated to social networks (OR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.05–1.60]; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). This pioneering nationwide study revealed a high SMA prevalence (24.8%) among medical students in the DRC. Findings reveal the interplay of social, behavioral, and technological drivers of SMA and emphasize the need for targeted preventive and educational interventions in medical training settings.</p>

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Social media addiction among medical students in the Democratic Republic of congo: A nationwide Cross-Sectional survey

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月19日

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  • Degani Banzulu Bomba,
  • Daniel Kalombo Ilunga,
  • Jacques Benangindu Kikumpa,
  • Célestin Kapuku-Kalala-Malu,
  • Bernard Kianu Phanzu

摘要

Despite extensive global research on social media addiction (SMA), evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa remains scarce. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), medical students may be particularly vulnerable to SMA due to increasing smartphone access and institutional Internet connectivity. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of SMA among Congolese medical students. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024 using multistage stratified random sampling across 15 provinces. Participants completed a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic variables, usage patterns, and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of SMA. Among 3,237 medical students (mean age 22.2 ± 3.7 years; 53.7% male), 802 (24.8%) met SMA criteria. Independent determinants included having a relative or friend who had recommended reducing social network use in the past year (adjusted OR = 2.35, 95% CI [1.97–2.80]; p < 0.001), frequently keeping the phone in hand (OR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.41–2.02]; p < 0.001), daily connection > 2 h (OR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.26–1.80]; p < 0.001), Facebook use (OR = 1.36, 95% CI [1.00–1.84]; p < 0.05), and using an Internet plan dedicated to social networks (OR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.05–1.60]; p < 0.05). This pioneering nationwide study revealed a high SMA prevalence (24.8%) among medical students in the DRC. Findings reveal the interplay of social, behavioral, and technological drivers of SMA and emphasize the need for targeted preventive and educational interventions in medical training settings.