ABSTRACT
Background: The use of computers is increasing among medical students, therefore we carried out a cross sectional study in Mangalore, India, with the objective of assessing the pattern of computer and Internet use among both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. Methods: A total of 500 medical students from 4 different medical colleges in Mangalore participated in the study. 400 were undergraduates and 100 were postgraduates / interns. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data and data analysis was done using SPSS Version 11. Results: The majority of students who participated in the study were from the age group 19-21years constituting 34.6%. The computer was used for entertainment mainly by the 1st and 2nd year medical students (69.5%) whereas 40% PG / Interns use it for general information and 31% for research activities. Majority of the PG/Interns (77%) were satisfied with computer assisted teaching while 20% 1st and 2nd year students were not. Majority of 1st and 2nd year medical students (50.5%) use Internet most often to communicate socially while 21% Pre final and final year students use Internet most often to engage in work for classes. The use of E-mail was the most popular of Internet services used by 87% PG/Interns. Conclusion: A significant relationship was demonstrated between the year of study and the purpose of computer/Internet use. As the students progress through their curriculum the use of computer for entertainment is declining and use for general information and thesis / research work is rising.