Association study on lifestyle and internet addiction in adolescents

Abstract

Objective To investigate the lifestyles of internet addiction disorders and explore the relationship between lifestyles and internet addiction among Chinese adolescents. Methods In this cross-sectional stratified cluster sampling study, Demographic Information Questionnaire, Chinese Adolescent Lifestyles Scale (CALS) and Young's Internet Addiction Test were applied. Results (1) Adolescents with internet addiction were 275, accounting for 11.20%. Boys(15.45%) addicted the internet more than girls(7.48%). The prevalence rate of IAD was higher in students from urban(13.55%) than that in students from rural area(9.67%). The ratio of IAD was the highest in junior school students(14.01%), the second in university students(13.84%), the third in senior high school students(9.66%), and the lowest in primary school students(7.67%)(P<0.01). (2) The internet addicts scored significantly lower on sleep, study habits, physical exercise, interpersonal relationship and coping style, compared to the normal group(P<0.01). (3) Sleep status, study habits, physical exercise, interpersonal relationship and coping style were negatively correlated with internet addiction (r=-0.193, r=-0.319, r=-0.175, r=-0.225, r=-0.105, P<0.01). (4)Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated learning habits and interpersonal relationship had negative predictive effects on internet addiction; whereas, the coping style showed a weak positive prediction effect on Internet addiction. Conclusion Internet addict teenagers have poor lifestyles which should be suggested to start the good behavior habit and insist on a healthy lifestyle to prevent the internet addiction disorder. Key words: Internet addiction; Lifestyle; Sleep status; Coping styles; Study habits; Interpersonal relationship