Gender prevalence and pattern structure of various online behaviors among adolescents in Abakan

Abstract

Summary. The increased maladaptive Internet use and associated psychosomatic disorders in modern adolescents is an urgent medical problem. The aim of the study was to research the gender prevalence and pattern structure of various types of online behavior in adolescents from Abakan (Khakassia). Material and methods. A one-time screening examination of random samples of students from 4 schools in the city of Abakan was carried out from April to May 2019. It was examined 1360 adolescents (49.5% of boys and 50.5% of girls) aged 12-18 years (mean age 14.7 ± 1.3). Online behavior was assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS) based on the total CIAS score. There were 2 groups (boys and girls) for the indicators to be analyzed, with the data processed using the “Statistica 12” program. Results. Adaptive Internet use (AIU) is typical for 56.5% of Abakan adolescents, Non-adaptive maladaptive (NIU) — for 37.6% and Internet-dependent, pathological Internet use (PIU) — for 5.9%. The incidence and pattern structure of various types of online behavior are associated with gender. The prevalence of maladaptive types of online behavior is higher among girls: non-adaptive (42.4% versus 32.8% in boys) and pathological (8.0% versus 3.7%). There are significant gender differences in the Com, Wit, Tol scales, key symptoms of Internet addiction (KSIA), Problems Associated with Internet Addiction (PAIA) and the total CIAS score of the Chen scale. Girls have higher average scores for all subscales of the Chen questionnaire, i.e. both key symptoms of Internet addiction, and the total CIAS score. Conclusion. The prevalence of maladaptive types of online behavior among adolescents in Abakan and also a high association with gender confirm the relevance of the problem and indicate the further research in the given area is needed.