Abstract
Background and aims: The current level of knowledge concerning the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on internet use, gambling, and substance use in structurally disadvantaged regions is scarce. The objective of this study was an investigation of the relationship between SES and risky internet use, gambling and substance use in a structurally disadvantaged region in Central Europe. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among high school students (n = 1063) in a Czech structurally disadvantaged region in autumn 2017. Binary Logistic Regression models were applied to data from the modified Excessive Internet Use scale (mEIUS), a standard tool for measuring the risk of addictive behavior on the internet and the risk of excessive gaming. Other data were collected using the Lie/Bet (problematic gambling), CAGE (acronym of the key words: cut, angry, guilty and eye-opener), and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) (problematic alcohol/cannabis use) tools. Results: There were statistically significant differences between at-risk and not-at-risk groups in addictive behavior on the internet and gaming, while none were found in problematic gambling. Individual dimensions of SES showed significant effects on substance use. Regarding parenting styles, significant differences were found only in the risk of addictive behavior on the internet or gaming between the authoritarian and authoritative styles. Being engaged in behavioral addictions with one´s parents increased the odds of the behavioral addiction risk and decreased the odds of the substance addiction risk. Engagement with one´s parents in substance addictions decreased the odds of the behavioral addiction risk and increased the odds of the substance addiction risk. Discussion and Conclusions: The results point at specific relations between SES and the risk of addictive behaviors on the internet and gaming within structurally disadvantaged regions. The results of SES and/or structurally disadvantaged region measures obtained in research, policy-making, and care-provision may improve the focus of actions taken.
Highlights
Disadvantaged youth is one of the social groups that are considered vulnerable
In contrast to previous studies focusing on the national-wide [19] or all-European [10,18] populations of adolescents, we focused on adolescents in a structurally disadvantaged region
Out of 53 secondary schools established by the regional administration, 17 schools (upper secondary vocational schools and upper secondary general schools, with school codes 353—vocational training schools; 354—secondary schools with graduation exam and 343—grammar schools according to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) [34]) representing 1063 students aged 15–19 years agreed to participate in the research
Summary
Disadvantaged youth is one of the social groups that are considered vulnerable. When developing appropriate health and social programs and measures, it is important to take into account specific factors linked to youth in structurally disadvantaged regions or neighborhoods [1]. At a European level, one objective of the drug strategy is to improve preventive measures, taking into account cultural and social factors [4]. A study of the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on gambling, internet use, and/or substance use in adolescents from a structurally disadvantaged region may provide useful insights. The current level of knowledge concerning the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on internet use, gambling, and substance use in structurally disadvantaged regions is scarce. The objective of this study was an investigation of the relationship between SES and risky internet use, gambling and substance use in a structurally disadvantaged region in Central Europe
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