Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background The rapid expansion of internet accessibility has transformed social, educational, and economic activities but has also contributed to the emergence of internet addiction as a growing behavioral health concern. Internet addiction has been associated with impaired psychological functioning; however, evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda, remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between internet addiction and psychological well-being among adult internet users in Rwanda, its sociodemographic correlates. Methods A quantitative analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 510 adult internet users in Rwanda aged 18 years old and above, conveniently recruited using online platforms. Data were collected using Kobo toolboox and participants completed sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test and the WHO Psychological Well-Being Index. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, multiple linear regression, and moderation analysis using JASP Software(Version 0.96.0) and all necessary assumptions were tested. Results Internet addiction demonstrated a strong negative association with psychological well-being (ρ = -0.655, p < .001, 95% CI: -0.702 to -0.603). Multiple regression analysis confirmed that internet addiction remained an independent predictor of poorer psychological well-being after adjusting for sociodemographic factors (β = -1.390, p < .001), explaining 48.45% of the variance in psychological well-being. Higher educational attainment was associated with better psychological well-being (β = 1.048, p = .006). Although socioeconomic status and middle adulthood showed positive associations with psychological well-being, most sociodemographic characteristics were not independently associated with outcomes. Moderation analysis revealed that age significantly modified the relationship between internet addiction and psychological well-being (β = -0.0015, p = .027), with stronger negative effects observed among older adults. Other factors, including sex, marital status, education, employment, and residence, did not significantly moderate this association. Conclusion Internet addiction is an important behavioral health correlate of reduced psychological well-being among adult internet users in Rwanda. The findings highlight the need to integrate digital behavioral health into mental health promotion, prevention, and early identification strategies. Population-based digital well-being initiatives, age-sensitive interventions, and integration of internet addiction screening into healthcare and community mental health services may strengthen Rwanda’s response to emerging mental health challenges associated with digital transformation.</p>