Internet Addiction Scores Research Articles

Internet addiction, social phobia, substance abuse, and depression in the university setting: a cross-sectional study in the southern region of Morocco.

Internet addiction is a mental health issue that can have detrimental effects on an individual's life. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of Internet Addiction and identify the risk factors associated with this behavioral addiction. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 universities in southern Morocco, involving 1,690 students who completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, and information on substance use, and included validated tools to assess Internet addiction (Young's IADQ), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire. PHQ-9), and social phobia (Mini Neuropsychiatric International Interview. M.I.N.I). The findings of our study indicate that the prevalence of Internet addiction was 30.60% (95% CI), depressive symptoms were present in 44.10% of participants, and the prevalence of social Phobia was 30.20%. A significant correlation was identified between early initiation of tobacco and Internet addiction (p = 0.05). The multivariate regression model revealed a possible association between cocaine use and Internet Addiction (OR = 5.67, IC 95%: 0.45 to 10.80) (p = 0.03), as well as a significant association between social phobia and a higher internet addiction score (OR = 3.45, IC 95%: 1.70-5.02) (p < 0.001). However, depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with internet addiction (p = 0.38). These results highlight the urgent need to address internet addiction in the coming years. Implementing Multidisciplinary prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and follow-up measures are essential to mitigate the physical, psychosocial, and academic impacts of this addiction on students.

Личностные факторы риска развития интернет-зависимости у подростков 15–17 лет

Internet addiction formation and manifestations are a relevant trend in contemporary research. It is important to identify adolescents who have risk of developing Internet addiction so that early interventions can be made and certain impacts can be exerted on personal characteristics that contribute to formation of persistent addictive behavior able to affect health. The aim of this study was to establish personal risk factors of developing Internet addiction in adolescents aged 15–17 years. A comprehensive study was carried out on 407 adolescents aged 15–17 years who attended comprehensive secondary schools in Ivanovo. To assess the Internet addiction in adolescents, S. Chen’s method was used; personal characteristics of adolescents were determined using the Eysenck test. Mental performance was assessed based on the results of proofreading tests (M.V. Antropova); academic performance was estimated per the average score. Data were statistically analyzed using conventional methods of variation statistics. High neuroticism, introversion in girls, and centroversion in boys are risk factors able to cause formation of Internet ad-diction in adolescents; an increase in the severity of neuroticism in these groups combined with a decrease in accuracy, mental performance and academic performance is also a risk factor of Internet addiction in adolescents aged 15–17 years. A direct correlation was found between the Internet addiction score and the level of neuroticism. At risk of Internet addiction, introversion was detected in girls more often than in boys, and extraversion and high neuroticism were detected in the group with Internet addiction. Boys with Internet addiction were more likely to have centroversion than girls. Adolescents with severe Internet addiction had the lowest levels of accuracy and mental performance quotient and lower academic performance. High neuroticism, introversion in girls, centroversion in boys, an increase in the severity of neuroticism, a decrease in accuracy, mental performance and academic performance are risk factors of Internet addiction formation in adolescents. This justifies the need to carry out sanitary and hygienic measures that should involve development of standards for safe Internet use and inclusion of psycho-prophylaxis

Personal risk factors of internet addiction in adolescents aged 15–17 years

Internet addiction formation and manifestations are a relevant trend in contemporary research. It is important to identify adolescents who have risk of developing Internet addiction so that early interventions can be made and certain impacts can be exerted on personal characteristics that contribute to formation of persistent addictive behavior able to affect health. The aim of this study was to establish personal risk factors of developing Internet addiction in adolescents aged 15–17 years. A comprehensive study was carried out on 407 adolescents aged 15–17 years who attended comprehensive secondary schools in Ivanovo. To assess the Internet addiction in adolescents, S. Chen’s method was used; personal characteristics of adolescents were determined using the Eysenck test. Mental performance was assessed based on the results of proofreading tests (M.V. Antropova); academic performance was estimated per the average score. Data were statistically analyzed using conventional methods of variation statistics. High neuroticism, introversion in girls, and centroversion in boys are risk factors able to cause formation of Internet ad-diction in adolescents; an increase in the severity of neuroticism in these groups combined with a decrease in accuracy, mental performance and academic performance is also a risk factor of Internet addiction in adolescents aged 15–17 years. A direct correlation was found between the Internet addiction score and the level of neuroticism. At risk of Internet addiction, introversion was detected in girls more often than in boys, and extraversion and high neuroticism were detected in the group with Internet addiction. Boys with Internet addiction were more likely to have centroversion than girls. Adolescents with severe Internet addiction had the lowest levels of accuracy and mental performance quotient and lower academic performance. High neuroticism, introversion in girls, centroversion in boys, an increase in the severity of neuroticism, a decrease in accuracy, mental performance and academic performance are risk factors of Internet addiction formation in adolescents. This justifies the need to carry out sanitary and hygienic measures that should involve development of standards for safe Internet use and inclusion of psycho-prophylaxis

Association between internet addiction and musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian medical sciences students

BackgroundThe utilization of the Internet can lead to adverse outcomes in students’ lives. Prolonged Internet usage may result in academic failure, an elevated risk of musculoskeletal problems, and the emergence of issues impacting the lives of students and their peers. This study aimed to explore the relationship between Internet addiction and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among students in the field of medical sciences.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 314 medical sciences students in Semnan, Iran, were assessed using the census sampling method. The participants’ Internet addiction status and the presence of MSDs were determined through Young’s Internet Addiction questionnaire and the Nordic self-report questionnaire, respectively. Data underwent analysis employing logistic regression test to ascertain the relationship between Internet addiction and MSDs.ResultsAmong the 314 participating students in this research, about 21% and 1.6% of the participants were lay open to and suffered from Internet addiction, respectively. Internet addiction was associated with the presence of pain, discomfort, burning, or numbness in the neck, wrist, upper back, hips, and thighs. For each unit increase in the Internet addiction score, the chance of neck and wrist pain rises by 3% compared to a 2% increase in upper back and hip/thigh pain.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that excessive Internet use is linked to a heightened risk of MSDs in medical sciences students. Consequently, it is imperative to raise awareness about these complications and promote the adoption of proper posture when using the Internet. Further research is also warranted among diverse student populations to investigate the impact of Internet addiction.

Sleep Quality in Medical Students and its Association with Internet Usage- A Cross-Sectional Study.

To examine sleep quality and its association with internet usage in undergraduate medical students. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 181 undergraduate medical students from January 2019 to March 2019. A predesigned, pretested, semistructured self-administered questionnaire including information on sociodemographic profiles and lifestyle questions was utilized. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) scale were applied. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Students with moderate to severe internet addiction showed a total mean score of 6.76 ± 2.45, while those with mild internet addiction had a total mean PSQI score of 6.58 ± 2.57. An increasing severity of internet addiction was associated with poor quality of sleep (22.45%) (P < 0.01). Scores of IAT were assessed in relation to sleep quality, showing that with an increased average total score of internet addiction (39.93 ± 10.36), there was an increasing occurrence of poor sleep quality (P < 0.05). Excessive internet use was linked to poor sleep quality (11.04 ± 1.99) and was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Internet usage among young adults has become an alarming public health concern. Practicing caution in its use can help mitigate its negative impacts on both physical and psychological health. Healthy living requires maintaining a balance through participation in sports, education, culture, and other engaging activities.

Effect of Internet Addiction on Sleep Quality and Academic Performance in Undergraduate Dental Students

Abstract Aim This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Internet addiction and its effect on sleep patterns and university academic performance among dental undergraduates. Methodology A total of 400 dental undergraduates were targeted in a cross-sectional setting. The students were invited to fill out a pretested questionnaire consisting of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Internet Addiction Test. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software (version 20.0). Frequencies and percentages along with mean and standard deviation were calculated. Results A total of 274 study subjects participated in the study out of which the majority of respondents were females (N = 230; 83.9%). Seventy-six percent of the population was using the Internet for 0 to 6 hours. Excellent academic performance scores have not been reported in any of the years except the second year. The mean global PSQI score and Internet addiction score both are seen to be reducing as the year of study increases. Internet addiction is positively associated with poor PSQI scores. Conclusion The authors concluded that adequate sleep is undoubtedly the most important factor. Internet usage is a dynamic issue; the students need to manage it in a strict schedule to manage a decent total sleeping time.

Exploring the Impact of Excessive Internet Usage in Secondary School Students in Kirkuk City

Background: excessive internet use in secondary school students prolonged screen usage and unfettered web information might cause distractions, procrastination, and reduced study time, compromising academic achievement. Overuse of the internet can also disrupt sleep, impair time management, and reduce offline activity, which is essential for holistic development. Online content like social media, gaming, and streaming can also affect students' cognition, attention span, and learning motivation. The impact of excessive internet use on secondary school pupils depends on several aspects, including frequency and length, types of online activities, academic achievement measures, and socio-demographic variables. Objective: This study aims to examine the impact of excessive internet usage in secondary school student in kirkuk city. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in this study “Simple Random” sample was used for student at secondary school in Kirkuk. The study included (400) student. Data were analyzed inferential statistics. Results: the study finding shows the distribution the Internet Usage Pattern of the study sample, regarding to Most preferred method internet access, were about half of study sample (49.5%) using smart phone more than other access methods, while based on the reason of using internet, were near half (46.75%) of study sample using internet for Social Networking. Regarding to the parent’s awareness of internet use, about more than two thirds (65.75%) of the study sample were parents not aware about using internet. According to the preferred time of use of internet, about more than third (33.5%) were using internet after school hours. Finally, Using Internet in group or individually, near to half (47.3%) of the study sample use internet individually. the differences the Internet addiction regarding to the Internet usage pattern of the study sample by using Internet addiction score. There is a high significance value with the differences between the scores of the items of the Internet addiction with regards to the Internet usage pattern of the study sample at p. value 0.05. the differences the Internet addiction regarding to the Internet usage pattern of the study sample by using Internet addiction score. There is a high significance value with the differences between the scores of the items of the Internet addiction with regards to the Internet usage pattern of the study sample at p. value 0.05 by using Chi-square test. Conclusions: According to the report, most students have a proclivity to utilize mobile phones for Internet access. Students have a distinct inclination towards utilizing social media platforms instead of engaging in educational endeavors. The majority of students cited a lack of parental monitoring.

THE IMPACT OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' INDIVIDUAL HEALTH PERCEPTIONS ON INTERNET ADDICTION LEVELS

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of university students' individual health perceptions on the level of internet addiction. Additionally, the study aims to reveal differences in internet addiction and individual health perceptions among students based on various demographic variables. A total of 286 students from Düzce University participated in the study. The data collection tools used were the Internet Addiction Scale and Individual Health Perception Scales. It was found that the students' levels of internet addiction were low, while their individual health perceptions were at a moderate level. The average internet addiction scores were relatively higher for male students, those enrolled in formal education, and those with a moderate income level compared to other groups. It was observed that the level of health perception did not vary according to students' income status, gender, type of settlement, and type of education. A weak relationship was identified between university students' health perceptions and internet addiction. These findings contribute significantly to understanding the relationship between internet addiction and health perceptions among university students. However, it should be noted that further research is needed to better comprehend the complexity of this relationship. This study may serve as a foundation for future research aiming to develop effective intervention strategies against internet addiction.

Correlation of Academic Stress with Internet Addiction in Students Junior High School Class VIII (Observational Study at SMP Islam Al Azhar 14 Semarang)

Academic stress is a situation where students are unable to meet academic demands and perceive these demands as a nuisance or threat. A person’s academic stress is influenced by one factor, namely internet addiction. This research aims to determine the relationship between academic stress and internet addiction in Class VIII Middle School Students. This research uses an analytical observational research design with a cross sectional approach. The research sample was taken using a proportional sampling technique, totaling 68 students in class VIII of Al Azhar Islamic Middle School 14 Semarang who met the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were class VIII students who were willing to fill out the questionnaire completely. The questionnaires used were Gadzella’s Students Life Stress Inventory and Young’s Internet Addiction Test. Data analysis used Spearman correlation. In calculating internet addiction scores, the majority were found to be in the moderate category at 50 students (73.5%). In the academic stress score, it was found that the majority of academic stress was in the moderate category for 44 students (64.7%). The results obtained from the Spearman rho statistical test, r = 0.674 and p = 0.000 (p&lt;0.05). There is a significant relationship between academic stress and internet addiction with a strong relationship. The direction of the positive relationship shows that the more academic stress, the more it will cause internet addiction.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 08 No. 02 Apr’24 Page: 147-150

Internet Addiction and COVID-19 Misbeliefs Among Hungarian Online Gamers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The internet has become a part of everyday life, and during the COVID-19 pandemic the rate of internet use has raised even higher, which increases the possibility of compulsive and problematic use leading to the acceptance of online misbeliefs and conspiration theories. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between COVID-19-related misconceptions and internet addiction among adult recreational online gamers. A sample of 1671 recreational video game users completed the online survey (male: n = 1522 (91.08%), mean age = 21.83, SD = 4.18; female: n = 149 (8.91%), mean age = 24.33, SD = 8.38). Demographic questions, risk factors and health-related questions, internet use and addiction were measured alongside a short questionnaire about common COVID-19-related topics, such as its origin and risk of infection. Out of all participants 248 (14.8%) answered all the COVID-19-related questions properly, thus having no misconceptions, while 545 (32.6%) had one wrong answer, 532 (31.8%) had 2 wrong answers, 251 (15.0%) had 3 wrong answers, 78 (4.7%) had 4 wrong answers and 17 (1.0%) had 5 wrong answers. Significant factors to a higher number of COVID-misconceptions were time spent studying (χ2 (35,1671) = 63.86, p = 0.002), marital status (χ2 (15,1671) = 30.65 p = 0.01) and secondary employment (χ2 (51,671) = 14.88, p = 0.01). Although 17.1% of the participants reached the threshold score for internet addiction, the predictors of COVID-19 misconceptions were marital status (β = -0.06, p = 0.01) and time spent studying (β = 0.05, p = 0.03), while neither daily internet use, internet addiction scores or risk factors predicted these misconceptions in a linear regression model. Our study concludes that Internet addiction did not directly influence misconceptions about the COVID-19 pandemic in this population despite the surprisingly high rate of problematic users.

Correlation of negative emotion, fatigue level and internet addiction in college students: implication for coping strategies

BackgroundInternet addiction has an important influence on the development of physical and mental health of college students. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current status and the correlation between college students’ negative emotion, fatigue level and Internet addiction disorder, and to provide reference for the care and management of college students.MethodsWe conducted a questionnaire survey on a cluster sample of college students from October to November 15, 2022. Internet addiction scale, fatigue assessment scale and positive and negative emotion scale were used for survey. Pearson correlation analysis and mediating effect test were performed to analyze the correlation and effects.ResultsA total of 1546 valid questionnaires were collected. The incidence of internet addiction in college student was 20.38%. The total score of internet addiction was 52.94 ± 12.47, the total fatigue score was 69.27 ± 3.19, the score of positive emotion of college students was 31. 41 ± 5.09, and the negative emotion score was 18.54 ± 5.68. The total score of internet addiction were positively correlated with score of negative emotion (all P < 0. 05). The total score of internet addiction scale of college students were positively correlated and each factor score of with the score of fatigue severity (all P < 0. 05). Fatigue played an intermediary role in the prediction of negative emotion and internet addiction of college students, with an intermediary role of-0.433, accounting for 76.35% of the total effect.ConclusionThe college students’ positive emotion may be strengthened to reduce their fatigue level and negative emotion so as to reduce internet addiction.

Internet Addiction and Its Effect on Sleep Quality Among Medical Students

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of internet addiction in medical school students, and to examine the relationship between internet addiction and sleep quality, sleepiness and psychological resilience. Method: The study was conducted with 213 participants studying at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Faculty of Medicine. A sociodemographic questionnaire, Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Brief Psychological Resilience Scale were applied to all participants, and the results were statistically evaluated. Results: The average age of the participants was found as 21.25±2.00. 65.3% (n=139) of the participants were women and 27.2% (n=58) were first-year students. The average score of Young's internet addiction was 27.15±7.35; the average Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was 5.49±2.47. 60% of them were evaluated as having poor sleep quality. Average Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores were 6.62±4.22; average scores of the Psychological Resilience Scale were 19.35±5.04. There was a positive and significant relationship between Young Internet Addiction and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality. As internet addiction increased, sleep quality decreased. A negative significant relationship was found between Young's Internet Addiction and the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale. As internet addiction increased, psychological resilience decreased. Conclusion: In our study, it was determined that as internet addiction increased, sleep quality and psychological resilience decreased, and daytime sleepiness increased. We can improve sleep quality by preventing internet addiction, and increase participation in daily activities and psychological resilience by reducing daytime sleepiness. Keywords: internet addiction disorder, sleeplessness, resiliency, psychological

The relationship between internet addiction and stress, anxiety, and depression in adolescents in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThere is an increasing rate of Internet addiction among adolescents that may lead to many negative psychological outcomes. This study assessed the relationship between Internet addiction and stress, anxiety, and depression in adolescents in Saudi Arabia. MethodsA correlational online survey captured data on Internet use and psychological outcomes from 462 adolescents between March and May 2022. Young's Internet Addiction Scale assessed the degree of Internet addiction. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS21) assessed the perceived level of stress, anxiety, and depression. Bivariate and multivariate analyses determined the relationship between Internet addiction and depression, anxiety, and stress. ResultsSixty-eight percent of adolescents had mild to severe Internet addiction. Sixty percent of the adolescents perceived mild to extremely severe depression, 58% perceived mild to extremely severe anxiety, and 44% perceived mild to extremely severe stress. Adolescents with more Internet addiction scores perceived more stress, anxiety, and depression (p ≤ 0.05). ConclusionsThe Internet addiction rate is high among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Adolescents with more Internet addiction scores are prone to perceive higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Application to practiceInterventional multidisciplinary programs are needed to make adolescents, parents, schoolteachers, and school nurses in Saudi Arabia aware of Internet addiction and methods to reduce the dependence of those adolescents on the Internet. School nurses should provide adolescents and parents with means to reduce their Internet dependence.

The association between internet addiction and sleep quality among medical students in Saudi Arabia

Background Sleep is one of the fundamental human needs, essential for maintaining a high quality of life and mental and physical well-being across all age groups. Poor sleep quality often stems from negative lifestyle habits, including excessive internet usage. Therefore, it is important to determine the prevalence of internet gaming disorder among youth in Saudi Arabia and to examine the relationship between internet addiction levels and sleep quality. Methods Data were collected from 338 medical students in the southern region of Saudi Arabia (mean age = 21.2 years, standard deviation = 3.29 years). Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analysis employed iterations, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and ANOVA. Results The results revealed that 21% of the participants exhibited severe internet addiction, while 31% displayed moderate internet addiction. Furthermore, the findings indicated a positive correlation between sleep quality and the severity of internet addiction. Sleep quality symptoms explained 75% of the variance in Internet addiction scores, even after controlling for demographic variables. Additional bivariate analyses revealed that individuals who spent six or more hours online daily were more likely to experience symptoms of poor sleep quality and exhibit a higher severity of internet addiction. Additionally, Men were more susceptible to developing internet addiction compared to women. Moreover, students with internet addiction tended to have lower academic achievements. Conclusion These findings, while exploratory, offer valuable insights into potential interventions, strategies, and programs for mitigating internet addiction and enhancing sleep quality among medical college students.

Epidemiology and Related Factors of Internet Addiction with Emphasizing the Role of Feeling Loneliness and Interpersonal Problems in University Students

Background: Internet addiction is recognized as a global public health issue, with high prevalence among medical students. The identification of risk factors related to Internet addiction is crucial for reducing its prevalence and severity. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the epidemiology and related factors to Internet addiction, emphasizing the role of feeling loneliness and interpersonal problems. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2022, involving 414 students from the Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Young’s Internet addiction questionnaire, along with the assessments of interpersonal problems and loneliness, was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics (including correlation coefficients and hierarchical regression) were applied using SPSS software (version 22), with a significance level set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: All students had internet addiction; nevertheless, the majority (82.4%) of them were in the range of mild addiction, and none of them had severe Internet addiction. The average score of Internet addiction was 51.59 (4.77), which shows moderate Internet addiction among students. Internet addiction had a positive and significant relationship with students’ lodging (dormitory), feelings of loneliness, and interpersonal problems; however, there was no correlation with age, gender, marital status, major, and academic year. Conclusions: The prevalence of Internet addiction was significantly higher in the present study than in previous studies, serving as a critical warning for health practitioners and planners. Notably, the highest level of addiction observed was at a mild level, necessitating early intervention to prevent further escalation. Considering the correlation between Internet addiction and students’ lodging (dormitory), feelings of loneliness, and interpersonal problems, it is imperative to explore alternative activities within dormitories and provide regular psychological counseling for the early detection of these issues.

To Evaluate the Efficacy of Internet De-addiction Programme on Perceived Stress and Autonomic Functions in Young Adults

Internet addiction is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges or behaviors regarding computer use and internet access that lead to impairment or distress. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of internet de-addiction programme on stress and autonomic functions in young adults. 500 young adults (age group 18-35 years), using smartphones and other gadget frequently were asked to answer Kimberley Young’s Internet addiction test (IAT) questionnaire. As per their responses 31 moderates to severely addicted to internet addiction (IAT score 64.51 ± 16.94) were motivated to participate in a comprehensive internet de-addiction programme, based on repeated sessions of psychological counselling and behavioral therapy as advised by an expert clinical Psychologist. Baseline and follow up (after 6 weeks) recording of Heart rate, Blood pressure, Perceived stress scale, IAT, Autonomic functions based on frequency domain HRV were done. There was significant increase in total power of HRV whereas significant reduction in LF/HF ratio, Perceived stress scores (PSS), Internet addiction scores and average daily mobile usage time after 6 weeks of follow up. It can be concluded from this study that after six weeks of comprehensive sessions based on cognitive behaviour therapy and guiding for self-help approach there were significant decrease in the total daily mobile usages time, internet addiction score, perceived stress score and also simultaneous improvement in symptho-vagal tone and overall autonomic health of participants.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Modifying the Parent-Child Interaction Pattern Based on Filial Play Therapy on Internet Addiction, Sleep Quality, and Self-efficacy in 9-12-Year-Old Children.

Despite all the positive features of the internet, the risk of addiction threatens users. Sleep disorders and the negative effects on self-efficacy are important risks of this technology. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of modifying the parent-child interaction pattern based on play therapy (filial therapy) on internet addiction, sleep quality, and self-efficacy in 9-12-year-old children. This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of all 3617 boys and girls aged 9-12 years studying in selected schools in Kerman, Iran (12 elementary schools) in the academic year 2020-2021. A total of 72 students were randomly selected from among the children who met the benchmark score of internet addiction and were not under medical and psychological treatment. The participants were divided into two experimental and control groups (36 students each). A demographic information questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Scale (YIAS), the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The mean scores of internet addiction in the pre-test and post-test were 86.67 and 86.23 in the control group and 88.14 and 75.14 in the experimental group, respectively, which showed a decrease in internet addiction. The scores of sleep quality in the pre-test and post-test were 1.81 and 1.78 in the control group and 1.75 and 0.5 in the experimental group, respectively. Moreover, the overall scores of self-efficacy in the pre-test and post-test were 63.64 and 63.94 in the control group and 62.08 and 81.75 in the experimental group, respectively. The results indicated an improvement in the overall quality of sleep and selfefficacy. The results showed that the severity of internet addiction in children decreased after the treatment based on modifying the parent-child interaction, and this treatment was also effective on self-efficacy and sleep disorders.

A School-Based Program for Problematic Internet Use for Adolescents in Japan.

Despite the serious influence of problematic Internet use on mental health among Japanese adolescents, no randomized clinical trials have investigated universal school-based interventions for this potential health challenge. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of a school-based educational program. This two-armed, parallel, cluster-based randomized clinical trial included 5312 students from 13 high schools situated in a mid-sized Japanese city. The students in the intervention arm received 10 weekly standardized sessions, including a combination of information provision and interactive sessions by schoolteachers. The students in the control group followed a standard school curriculum. A generalized estimating equation model was applied to assess the primary (Korean Scale for Internet Addiction [K-scale] score) and secondary (behavioral change status according to changes in the transtheoretical model smartphone addiction score and Internet usage time) outcomes two months after intervention completion. The intention-to-treat analysis included 2597 (97.2%) and 2504 (94.9%) students in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Nevertheless, a significant discrepancy emerged regarding the behavioral change status. Therefore, this school-based program did not improve the Internet or smartphone addiction scores among Japanese adolescents. Further studies are needed to develop appropriate interventions for adolescents.

Are internet users with high risk for internet addiction prone to substance use?

Abstract Background Similar to psychoactive substances, certain internet activities can produce highly rewarding sensations, leading to addictive use. Previous research reported associations between internet addiction (IA) and substance use. Our aim is to identify key differences between internet users with low and high IA risk in terms of which substances they consume (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs) and in terms of internet activities they engage in. Methods The National survey on the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs was conducted in 2018 in Slovenia on a nationally representative sample (age range: 15-64 years; 62.4% response rate). Among people who used internet at least once per week (N = 7,413), we distinguished between internet users with low IA risk (n = 6,929; 93.6%) and high IA risk (n = 484; 6.4%), based on latent profile analysis of responses on the Internet disorder scale (IDS-15). Results Higher IA scores were associated with lower age (r = - .310), but not with gender. Significantly more users in the high risk group were using internet to access social media (%L = 54.4; %H = 73.1), pornography (%L = 7.8; %H = 18.2), video content (%L = 42.7; %H = 61.0), and videogames (%L = 13.1; %H = 25.8), compared to the low risk group. Higher IA scores were associated with frequency (r = .040) and volume (r = .179) of drinking alcohol, while no associations were found with tobacco smoking measures. Lastly, smoking marihuana (%L = 6.3; %H = 12.7) and using any other illicit drugs (%L=2.2; %H = 5.6) in the past 12 months was significantly more common in the high risk group. Conclusions The present study underlines the addictive potential of four internet content categories (social media, pornography, video content and videogames). People who are sensitive to the rewarding potential of internet content may also be more prone to seeking rewarding sensations associated with consuming psychoactive substances, in particular alcohol, marijuana and illicit drugs, but not tobacco. Key messages • Using internet to access social media, videogames, video content and pornography is significantly more common among individuals with high risk for internet addiction. • High risk for internet addiction is associated with consuming alcohol, marijuana and illicit drugs, but not with tobacco use.

Cyber-Victimization /Bullying Among Turkish Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ABSTRACT Cyberbullying is a form of deviant behavior, acknowledged as a worldwide mental health issue. Few studies have investigated cyberbullying among youth with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a population susceptible to bullying, and associated factors. In this study, we aimed to explore frequency and related factors of cybervictimization/bullying among adolescents with ADHD. We included 92 clinically referred adolescents (14.37 ± 1.78 years) with ADHD. Revised Cyberbullying Inventory and a semi-structured diagnostic interview were used to assess cybervictimization/bullying and psychiatric disorders respectively. 38% of participants (n = 35) were defined as cybervictims and 35.9% (n = 33) as cyberbullies. The symptoms of anxiety and problematic internet use were more severe, and social phobia was more frequent among cybervictims than non-cybervictims. Cybervictimization was associated with being overweight, having generalized anxiety disorder and online gaming. Parent-rated inattention, hyperactivity, and defiant behaviors were significantly more severe and internet addiction scores were higher in cyberbullies compared to non-cyberbullies. Cyberbullying was associated with having generalized anxiety disorder, more severe problematic internet use, and downloading programs. Per our study, a major component of clinical assessment must include questions related to social experiences on the internet. This recommendation is especially valid for adolescents with ADHD with anxiety disorders, high body mass index, and online gamers.