The Link between Exposure to Watching Pornography and Mental Distress among Dilla University Students, Southern Ethiopia, 2023 A Mixed Method Study

Abstract

Background: The consumption of pornography has become widespread globally, largely driven by the proliferation of the internet and affordable digital devices. While often viewed as a harmless leisure activity, studies suggest a complex link between pornography use and mental distress. This study assesses the association between problematic pornography consumption and mental distress among students at Dilla University in Ethiopia.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between problematic pornography use and mental distress among regular undergraduate students at Dilla University in the Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia Region, in 2023.

 Methods: A cross-sectional study, complemented by qualitative inquiry, was conducted with 1,269 undergraduate students from Dilla University. A multistage random sampling technique was used for quantitative study, while purposive sampling selected participants for the qualitative portion. Various variables were assessed, including problematic pornography use, mental distress, internet addic-tion, substance use, social support, and experiences of victimization. Quantitative data were coded and analyzed using EpiData 3.1 and SPSS version 26, employing bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with problematic pornography use, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software (version 11).

Results: The findings revealed that 14.9,% (95,% CI: 12.9,% to 17.9,%) of partici-pants engaged in problematic pornography watching, while over half (60.4,%, 95,% CI: 57.5,% to 63.1,%) reported experiencing mental distress. Factors associated with problematic pornography use included male gender (AOR: 1.61, 95,% CI: 1.65-2.74), absence of romantic relationships, poor social support, and experiencing mental distress, with odds ratios (AORs) ranging from approximately 2.00 to 2.20. Additionally, internet addiction, poor peer relationships, and positive attitudes toward problematic pornography use were linked to higher risks (AORs: 2.00, 1.40, and 2.10, respectively). Current alcohol use was also significantly associated with problematic pornography use. Qualitative findings indicated that students who frequently watched pornography expressed mixed feelings, including guilt and shame for some, while others reported relaxation.

Conclusion: The results of this study underscore the need to address mod-ifiable factors for prevention and intervention programs targeting problematic pornography use among university students.