Abstract
Internet Use Disorder (IUD) affects numerous adolescents worldwide, and (Internet) Gaming Disorder, a specific subtype of IUD, has recently been included in DSM-5 and ICD-11. Epidemiological studies have identified prevalence rates up to 5.7% among adolescents in Germany. However, little is known about the risk development during adolescence and its association to education. The aim of this study was to: (a) identify a clinically relevant latent profile in a large-scale high-school sample; (b) estimate prevalence rates of IUD for distinct age groups and (c) investigate associations to gender and education. N = 5387 adolescents out of 41 schools in Germany aged 11–21 were assessed using the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS). Latent profile analyses showed five profile groups with differences in CIUS response pattern, age and school type. IUD was found in 6.1% and high-risk Internet use in 13.9% of the total sample. Two peaks were found in prevalence rates indicating the highest risk of IUD in age groups 15–16 and 19–21. Prevalence did not differ significantly between boys and girls. High-level education schools showed the lowest (4.9%) and vocational secondary schools the highest prevalence rate (7.8%). The differences between school types could not be explained by academic level.
Highlights
Internet Use Disorder (IUD) describes mental disorders due the problematic use of the Internet.Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), a specific subtype of IUD characterized by the persistent and recurrent use of the Internet to engage in games, has been included in the DSM-5 section “conditions for further studies” [1] because of its significant health importance
The purpose of this study was to: (a) empirically derive a clinically relevant latent profile characterized by an IUD phenotype in a large epidemiological sample of children and adolescents using Latent profile analysis (LPA); (b) to estimate prevalence of IUD and high-risk Internet users (HR-IU) in adolescence; (c) to estimate the differential risk of IUD for distinct age groups from 11 to 21 years separately; (d) to identify effects of gender on risk of IUD and (e) to assess the associations between academic career and risk of IUD
We explored the following research questions: (1) How many different profile groups of adolescent Internet users can be identified in our sample by a LPA? (2) Is the number of profile groups comparable with the findings in previous studies? (3) What is the prevalence estimate of Internet Use Disorder (IUD) and high-risk Internet use (HR-IU) in our sample? (4) Are there gender differences in the prevalence of IUD and HR-IU? (5) Are there differences in the prevalence rates of IUD or HR-IU between different age groups? (6) Are there differences in the prevalence rates of IUD or HR-IU between different school types?
Summary
Internet Use Disorder (IUD) describes mental disorders due the problematic use of the Internet. Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), a specific subtype of IUD characterized by the persistent and recurrent use of the Internet to engage in games, has been included in the DSM-5 section “conditions for further studies” [1] because of its significant health importance. The World Health Organization stated recently that Gaming disorder (GD) will be listed as independent diagnosis in the upcoming ICD-11 and defined. Non-gaming subtypes, such as problematic social media use, were not included in DSM-5 due to lack of empirical research. In ICD-11, other (non-gaming) Internet-related disorders can be classified as other specific disorders due to addictive behaviors. Facing the multiple severe comorbidities and impairments which are associated with IUD, the early diagnosis is of particular interest [3,4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
