Internet Use impact on Physical Health during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: A Web-based Cross-sectional study

BackgroundBangladesh ranked fifth largest internet user in Asia. Past studies on internet use have focused on its impact on mental health, with little known about its impact on the physical health of individuals during COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this study examines the impact of Internet use frequency on physical health during the Covid-19 lockdown in Bangladesh. MethodsA web-based cross-sectional study on 3242 individuals aged 18 and above was conducted from 2nd August - 1st October 1, 2020, during the lockdown in Bangladesh. The survey covers demographics, Internet use frequency and physical health questions. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the impact of internet use frequency on physical health. ResultsThe result indicated that 72.5%, 69.9%, 65.1% and 55.3% reported headache, back pain, numbness of the fingers and neck pain, respectively. The multivariable analyses showed increased physical health impact among regular (coefficient {beta} =0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18-0.85, P=0.003), frequent ({beta} = 1.21, 95%CI: 0.88-1.54, P < .001) and intense ({beta} = 2.24, 95%CI: 1.91-2.57, P < .001) internet users. Other factors associated with physical health scores were gender, income (in Taka), occupation, regions, and working status. ConclusionFrequent, intensive, and extensive use of the internet were strong predictors of increased physical health problems, and the study suggests the need for raising awareness of physical health problems triggered by high internet users among the high socioeconomic group in Bangladesh.