Internet addiction belief, but not Internet use time, is independently associated with menstrual pain severity and interference to social life among adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Problematic Internet use is a serious health issue for modern adolescents who have developed and matured in a global Internet environment. This study aimed to examine whether Internet use time and Internet addiction beliefs were independently associated with menstrual pain severity and its interference among Japanese adolescents. We recruited 1166 adolescents at two high schools to complete questionnaires on Internet use and menstrual pain. The explanatory variable was self-reported average Internet use time per day and Internet addiction beliefs ('none' (reference) 'somewhat', 'moderate' and 'severe'). The outcome variables were moderate-to-severe menstrual pain and interference. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for moderate-to-severe menstrual pain and interference. Adjustment variables were age, body mass index, belonging to a community or school sports club, sleep duration and Internet addiction beliefs/Internet use time. Internet addiction belief, but not Internet use time, was independently associated with menstrual pain severity and interference to social life in a dose-response manner. ORs (95% CIs) of moderate-to-severe menstrual pain for slight, moderate and severe Internet addition beliefs were 1.43 (1.02-1.99), 1.89 (1.31-2.74) and 1.88 (1.10-3.23), respectively. ORs of moderate-to-severe disability due to menstrual pain for slight, moderate and severe Internet addition beliefs were 1.25 (0.75-1.82), 1.72 (1.01-2.92) and 2.21 (1.11-4.40), respectively, after adjusting for average Internet use time. Internet addiction belief was associated with higher prevalence of moderate-to-severe menstrual pain among adolescents, beyond the variance accounted for by Internet use time.