565. Effects of sleep quality on the association between problematic internet use and quality of life in people with methamphetamine use disorder

Abstract

Abstract Background Problematic internet use (PIU) among individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) may further compromise their quality of life (QoL). Yet, the extent to which sleep quality serves as a mediating mechanism linking problematic internet use and QoL remains insufficiently understood in this group. Aims & Objectives This study aimed to investigate the relationship between PIU and QoL and how sleep quality may mediate the association between these two variables. Method A total of 266 participants with MUD (81.6% male; mean age 41.0 years, s.d. 9.3) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study in Taiwan. Measures included the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale, Bergan Social Media Addiction Scale, Internet Gaming Disorder–Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire Brief Version. Results Sleep problems were reported by 62% of participants. Poor sleep quality showed significant direct associations with two problematic internet use behaviors—problematic smartphone use and gaming—as well as with all QoL dimensions. All forms of problematic internet use were negatively associated with QoL. Sleep quality significantly mediated the associations between problematic internet use and QoL across all dimensions, except in the case of problematic social media use. Discussion & Conclusions Different types of PIU in people with MUD may have a direct association with reduced QoL. The role of sleep quality as a significant mediator in this relationship suggests it could be an underlying mechanism explaining the pathways connecting problematic internet use and QoL in this population.