Internet use behavior analysis of international medical students in China

Abstract Background China is a popular destination for international students, and proper utilization of Internet-based resources is important for international student development. However, there is a dearth of research on the Internet use behavior of international medical students. Therefore, to provide student-centered Internet services in China, it is necessary to investigate the Internet use behaviors of international medical students at different academic levels, analyze the features of their Internet-based information needs, and discuss their Internet-based behavioral preferences and online time. Methods This study involved an online survey of 151 international medical students at Dalian Medical University using the WJX.cn platform. The participants were grouped into three according to their academic levels: undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. A Chi-square test was performed to analyze Internet use behaviors at different academic levels. Results This study included 22 doctoral students (15%), 12 master’s students (8%), and 117 undergraduates (77%). Of them, 118 (78.1%) were Asian, 27 (17.9%) were African, and 6 (4.0%) were European, American, and Oceanian. Sixty-two (41.1%) and 89 (58.9%) participants were males and females, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed in the Internet tools or locations utilized by students at different academic levels, and most participants used the Internet to obtain literature resources. Conclusion This study found that international medical students at higher academic levels had stronger learning needs. Furthermore, different academic groups had different Internet use behaviors and online time.