Problematic Internet use and the risk of suicide ideation in Chinese adolescents: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

To evaluate the relationships between problematic Internet use (PIU) and suicidal ideation (SI) among adolescents, we encompassed 12,507 participants (16.6 ± 0.8 years). The occurrence of mood disorders, quality of life (QOL), personality traits and SI were compared in adolescents with and without PIU. Multilevel logistic regression models, trend analysis and interaction analysis were employed. A total of 2,809 (22.46%) adolescents reported SI. PIU was assessed using Internet Addiction Test score (IATs), and 3,442 (27.52%) participants met the criteria for PIU (IATs ≥ 40). PIU was significantly and independently associated with SI [AOR for suicidal ideation (vs. IATs < 40): 1.00 for 40–59 points; 1.3 (CI, 1.2–1.5): 60–79 points; 1.7 (CI, 1.4–2.1): 80–100 points; and 2.2 (CI, 1.2–3.9)]. Trend analysis demonstrated that PIU increased the risk of SI in each of the subgroups (p for trend ≤ 0.001 for each). Interaction analysis showed an association of PIU and SI that were dependent on mood disorders, QOL, impulsivity and aggression (p-value for interaction < 0.05). These findings highlight the need for a range of cross disciplinary health interventions to afflicted families, students, and clinicians, to increase the awareness of adverse PIU effects.