The Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Depression in the Iranian Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background and aims: Internet is one of the new technologies whose users are increasing, and internet addiction is defined as the excessive use of internet. One of the factors that influence internet addiction is depression. The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between internet addiction and depression in Iranian users using meta-analysis. Methods: In our systematic review and meta-analysis, a total of 10 articles in Persian and English, published in local and international journals between 2008 and 2014 were selected through searching in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, Medlib, and Irandoc databases, and the information were analyzed using a method of meta-analysis (random effects model). I-square test was used to examine heterogeneity. Data were analyzed by STATA version 11.2. Results: There were significant correlations between internet addiction and depression (P < 0.05). Hence the mean risk differentiating criteria were estimated to be 0.55 (95% CI: 0.14 to 0.96). Subgroup analysis showed that the value of a university student was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.88) and of a high school student was 1.12 (95% CI: 0.90 to 1.34). Conclusion: Our results indicated positive significant correlation between internet addiction and depression in adolescents and young adults in Iranian users. There was a positive correlation between internet addiction and depression as one of the most important psychological disorders. This issue requires further attention and study.