Internet Addiction Test Scores Research Articles

Addiction among high school students: determination of nicotine, substance, game, and internet addiction levels

ABSTRACT Aim The aims of this study were to determine the levels of cigarette smoking, psychoactive substances, game, and internet addiction among high school students and to examine whether addictions show a significant difference according to some socio-demographic variables and the relationships between addiction types. Method A total of 530 high school students studying in Turkey, agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Sociodemographic Questionnaire (which contains DSM-V categories of addictive substances), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Game Addiction Scale (GAS), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results Approximately 1.9% of the respondents were smokers and 0.8% were inhalant users. Respondents scored 7.43 ± 2.88 on FTND, 13.92 ± 5.57 on the GAS, and 43.44 ± 18.80 on the IAT. Male respondents received a higher average score on the GAS than female respondents, and female respondents received a higher average score on the IAT than male respondents. As body mass index increased, a statistically significant, positive and moderate correlation was found between GAS scores and IAT scores. Conclusion Addictions are becoming more and more widespread and measures, information, and research should be increased and young people should be educated about addictions.

Internet Addiction among Egyptian Teens during COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND: Teens’ lifestyles have changed significantly during and after COVID-19 epidemic and they have started engaging in risky health behaviors like using smartphone more frequently. Everyone is compelled to use their smartphone more frequently than usual to access daily necessities during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. AIM: We aimed to evaluate the problem of internet addiction and the increasing use of smartphone among teenage Egyptian youth during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Online surveys were sent to Egyptian teens (12–18 years old) in several governorates in June 2020, and they were completed by 154 youths over the course of one month. Different teenagers were required to respond to and share in this poll, and versions in both English and Arabic were used. At the outset of the questionnaire, the question about consent was viewed as mandatory. The extent of Internet use was evaluated using Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT). The survey was divided into four sections and created with the goals of understanding the modes (frequency, patterns, and goals) of internet use, the negative effects, linked parental behaviors, as well as the eventual occurrence and severity of addiction. The same data from the time before the epidemic was also looked into and analyzed. Version 23 of IBM SPSS Statistics was used for the analysis. The p-value threshold for significance was established at 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the teens was 14.38 ± 2.87 years and equal gender frequency (males of 50.6% and females of 49.4%. About 79.9% of them live in urban environment, 18.8% suffered from family problems and 40.9% were in the secondary educational level. Increased physical inactivity of participants was noticed after COVID-19 among participants (55.8%). About 87.7% of them used smartphone for online access (87.7%). Half of the subjects (50%) spent 1–3 h online before COVID, while more than half of them (59.1%) spent more than 6 hours online after COVID, with a statistically significant difference. Mean IAT was 61.91 ± 16.77 after COVID versus 45.26 ± 12.45 before COVID. The prevalence of internet addiction was increased from 67.5% before COVID-19 to 77.9% after COVID-19 infection. IAT score was normal, mild, moderate, and severe in 5.8%, 16.2%, 65.6%, and 12.3% after COVID-19, respectively, compared to normal, mild, moderate, and severe IAT score in 26.6%, 5.8%, 61.0%, and 6.5% before COVID, respectively, with significant differences between them before and after COVID (p < 0.000). Increasing mother’s and father’s educational, increasing time spent online, decreasing duration of sleep, and lower the number of days of exercise for more than 30 min/week were associated with higher IAT score. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, internet addiction was extremely common among teenagers (77.9%). The amount of time spent online, the length of sleep, and the number of days that a person exercises for more than 30 min/week were all predictors of addiction.

The Interplay Between Problematic Internet Use, Anxiety, Depression and Functional Impairment in Front-Line Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We aimed to assess the interplay between functional impairment and anxiety, depression, and problematic Internet use levels in front-line healthcare workers who work in inpatient clinics of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) were administered to assess the depression, anxiety, problematic Internet use, and functional impairment levels of the participants. Two hundred thirteen participants were enrolled in the present study. Medical doctors showed significantly higher scores of IAT than the nurses and other medical staff (Kruskal-Wallis=6.519, p=0.038). Levels of SDS total are significantly correlated with scores of IAT (r=0.257, p<0.001), BDI (r=0.383, p<0.001), and BAI (r=0.308, p<0.001). All subdomain scores of SDS (social, family, work) and total scores of SDS were significantly and positively correlated with BAI, BDI, and IAT scores (p<0.05). In the separation mediation analysis, problematic Internet use partially mediated the relationship between anxiety-depression and global functional impairment. Health politicians should produce policies to develop strategies for coping with consequences of anxiety and depression in healthcare professionals during any health crisis. In addition, we should raise healthcare professionals' awareness that problematic Internet use is not suitable for dealing with anxiety and depression and may even lead to increase of functional loss.

Efficacy and Neural Mechanisms of Mindfulness Meditation Among Adults With Internet Gaming Disorder

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), recently identified internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a condition warranting more research, and few empirically validated treatments exist. Mindfulness meditation (MM) has multiple health benefits; however, its efficacy in treating IGD and potential neural mechanisms underlying MM treatment of the disorder remain largely unknown. To explore the efficacy of MM used to treat adults with IGD and to identify neural mechanisms underlying MM. This randomized clinical trial was performed from October 1 to November 30, 2023, at Hangzhou Normal University in Hangzhou, China. Adults (aged ≥18 years) who met at least 6 of the 9 DSM-5-TR proposed criteria for IGD were recruited to receive either MM or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Data analysis was performed on December 1, 2023. Participants underwent MM training (an 8-session meditation program that focuses on attention and acceptance) and PMR training (an 8-time program for body relaxation) delivered in groups that met 2 times each week for 4 weeks. This per-protocol analysis included only participants who finished the pretest assessment, 8 training sessions, and posttest assessment. The main outcomes were addiction severity (measured with the DSM-5-TR proposed criteria for IGD and with Internet Addiction Test scores), gaming craving (measured with Questionnaire for Gaming Urges scores), and blood oxygen level-dependent signals assessed with cue-craving tasks on fMRI. Behavioral and brain measurements were compared using analysis of variance. Functional connectivity (FC) among identified brain regions was measured to test connectivity changes associated with MM. This study included 64 adults with IGD. A total of 32 participants received MM (mean [SD] age, 20.3 [1.9] years; 17 women [53%]) and 32 received PMR (mean [SD] age, 20.2 [1.5] years; 16 women [50%]). The severity of IGD decreased in the MM group (pretest vs posttest: mean [SD], 7.0 [1.1] vs 3.6 [0.8]; P < .001) and in the PMR group (mean [SD], 7.1 [0.9] vs 6.0 [0.9]; P = .04). The MM group had a greater decrease in IGD severity than the PMR group (mean [SD] score change for the MM group vs the PMR group, -3.6 [0.3] vs -1.1 [0.2]; P < .001). Mindfulness meditation was associated with decreased brain activation in the bilateral lentiform nuclei (r = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.60; P = .02), insula (r = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.60; P = .047), and medial frontal gyrus (MFG; r = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.70; P = .01). Increased MFG-lentiform FC and decreased craving (pretest vs posttest: mean [SD], 58.8 [15.7] vs 33.6 [12.0]; t = -8.66; ƞ2 = 0.30; P < .001) was observed after MM, and changes in MFG-lentiform FC mediated the relationship between increased mindfulness and decreased craving (mediate effect, -0.17; 95% CI, -0.32 to -0.08; P = .03). In this study, MM was more effective in decreasing addiction severity and gaming cravings compared with PMR. These findings indicate that MM may be an effective treatment for IGD and may exert its effects by altering frontopallidal pathways. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2300075869.

Lifestyle Habits Related to Internet Use in Adolescents: Relationships between Wellness, Happiness, and Mental Health.

Studies in recent years have shown a significant increase in problematic internet use. Prolonged internet usage negatively impacts various aspects of adolescents' lifestyles. The survey was conducted in three Lithuanian cities-Vilnius, Klaipėda, and Molėtai-between October and December of 2023. The survey involved students between the ages of 12 and 16. The participants completed a questionnaire that included questions about wellness and happiness, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Our study aimed to investigate problematic internet use among Lithuanian adolescents and its relationships with wellness, happiness, and mental health. This study included 1412 adolescents, with a mean age of 14.41 ± 1.20, with the sample composed of 52.3% boys. Boys indicated that they felt healthier and happier than girls (69.4% vs. 47.4%; 51.4% vs. 29.6%), p < 0.001. A total of 20.8% of students had IAT scores that reflect a normal level of internet usage. For IAT, the average score of girls was statistically significantly higher than that of boys (41.87 ± 12.24 vs. 39.96 ± 12.37), p < 0.001. The IAT score was higher in the group of students who felt less happy and healthy, had more frequent headaches or abdominal pain, and had problems with sleep, p < 0.001. A statistically significant, positive weak correlation was found between students' IAT scores and SDQ internalizing and SDQ externalizing scores (r = 0.366; r = 0.385, p < 0.001). Prolonged internet use is arising as a serious problem among adolescents. Negative feelings, unhappiness, and poor emotion regulation have an association with internet addiction. Also, the female gender may be more associated with possible internet addiction. The results of this study can serve as initial steps toward developing preventive interventions.

Online photography intervention reduces internet addiction during COVID-19: A randomised controlled trial.

The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated concerns regarding internet addiction. This study investigated the impact of an online photograph intervention on internet addiction and identified its effectiveness mechanisms. Individuals diagnosed with internet addiction (internet addiction test score > 36, Mage = 22.85, 78.6% women) were randomly allocated to either the intervention (n = 64) or control (n = 81) groups. For 10 days, the intervention group was tasked with photographing "things that make you feel a sense of control in life" and writing 100-word descriptions explaining the reason for the sense of control elicited by the image. Meanwhile, the control group participated only in the assessments. Assessments were conducted before the intervention, immediately afterward and 7 days later. A significant interaction between group and time was observed, with the intervention group showing a notable reduction in internet addiction and an increase in sense of control. The sense of control at post-test significantly mediated the intervention's effect on reducing internet addiction at follow-up, but only among individuals with high perceived social support. The findings indicate that online photography interventions can effectively diminish internet addiction, with a sense of control acting as a potent mechanism for intervention, particularly in individuals with substantial perceived social support.

Videoconference-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Parents of Adolescents With Internet Addiction: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

The rise in internet addiction, including web-based gaming and social networking services, is a serious concern. Even with access to medical institutions and counseling services, individuals with internet addiction, particularly adolescents, often refuse medical treatment or counseling. Parent-focused psychological intervention may lead to positive outcomes by improving the parent-adolescent relationship and helping parents identify and modify their adolescent's problematic behaviors, including internet addiction. This study was a pilot randomized controlled trial to test the feasibility of remote cognitive behavioral therapy via videoconferencing for parents of adolescents with internet addiction. A total of 13 parents of adolescents aged 12-20 years with internet addiction were recruited and randomly assigned to either 12 sessions of the videoconference-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (vCBT) group (n=6, 46%) or the waitlist control group (n=7, 54%). The study period was from March 1, 2018, to March 31, 2022. The primary outcome was the scores of the Young Internet Addiction Test reported by the adolescents. The secondary outcomes were adolescents' hours of internet use per day (Internet Addiction Test), reported by the adolescents and by their parents; the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire, completed by the parents; and the quality of life of the adolescents and the parents, measured by the EQ-5D-5L. These were evaluated at weeks 0 and 13. As the primary outcome, the mean total Internet Addiction Test score decreased from 67.7 (SD 18.3; 6/13, 46%) at week 0 to 56.2 (SD 25.1; 5/9, 56%) at week 13 in the vCBT group, compared to an increase from 66.9 (SD 21.9; 7/13, 54%) to 68.0 (SD 18.7; 4/9, 44%) in the control group. For all outcomes, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups (all P>.05). This study suggested the practical feasibility of vCBT for parents of adolescents with internet addiction. Further large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials are necessary to examine the effectiveness. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000032483; https://tinyurl.com/yuhen6c9.

Identification of patients with internet gaming disorder via a radiomics-based machine learning model of subcortical structures in high-resolution T1-weighted MRI

It is of vital importance to establish an objective and reliable model to facilitate the early diagnosis and intervention of internet gaming disorder (IGD). A total of 133 patients with IGD and 110 healthy controls (HCs) were included. We extracted radiomic features of subcortical structures in high-resolution T1-weighted MRI. Different combinations of four feature selection methods (analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis, recursive feature elimination and relief) and ten classification algorithms were used to identify the most robust combined models for distinguishing IGD patients from HCs. Furthermore, a nomogram incorporating radiomic signatures and independent clinical factors was developed. Calibration curve and decision curve analyses were used to evaluate the nomogram. The combination of analysis of variance selector and logistic regression classifier identified that the radiomic model constructed with 20 features from the right caudate nucleus and amygdala showed better IGD screening performance. The radiomic model produced good areas under the curves (AUCs) in the training, validation and test cohorts (AUCs of 0.961, 0.903 and 0.895, respectively). In addition, sex, internet addiction test scores and radiomic scores were included in the nomogram as independent risk factors for IGD. Analysis of the correction curve and decision curve showed that the clinical-radiomic model has good reliability (C-index: 0.987). The nomogram incorporating radiomic features of subcortical structures and clinical characteristics achieved satisfactory classification performance and could serve as an effective tool for distinguishing IGD patients from HCs.

Internet use and its association with physical activity among adolescents in Beni Municipality, Myagdi, Nepal.

Adolescence is a critical phase marked by distinct health and developmental needs and rights. It represents a pivotal time for the acquisition of knowledge, skills, emotional regulations, and relationship management. However, a recent surge in internet usage among adolescents has been observed, leading to a concerning decline in physical activity. This study aims to evaluate the level of physical activity and its correlation with internet use among adolescents. A cross-sectional study, conducted within educational institutions in Beni, Nepal, utilized a self-structured questionnaire to collect data on physical activity levels and associated factors. The relationship between physical activity and independent variables was assessed through the chi-square test, and regression analysis was employed to quantify the strength of this association. The study revealed that 75.3% of adolescents (out of 385) exhibited inadequate physical activity levels. Notably, late adolescents were more susceptible to insufficient physical activity than their middle adolescent counterparts were. Adolescents from nuclear families (UOR = 2.689, C.I = 4.074-22.822), those with higher monthly family income (UOR = 3.318, C.I = 1.209-9.105), and individuals using Wi-Fi (UOR = 1.801, C.I = 1.117-2.904) demonstrated a higher likelihood of internet addiction. Moreover, these groups were more prone to engage in inadequate physical activity (UOR = 1.1740, C.I = 0.938-3.226) compared to their counterparts not addicted to the internet. The study concludes that over two-thirds of adolescents were addicted to the Internet, and three-fourths were inadequately physically active, with late adolescents being more affected than middle adolescents. Inadequate physical activity was associated with various factors, including family type, monthly family income, monthly pocket money, father's occupation, type of school, type of internet access, and Internet Addiction Test (IAT) score. Internet-addicted adolescents were found to be more likely to be physically inactive.

Prevalence, demographics and clinical characteristics of Internet addiction among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia.

Several studies have reported that Internet addiction (IA) is more prevalent in the psychiatric disorder population. However, the prevalence of IA and its relationship with clinical variables among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia is unclear. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of IA and its clinical correlates in Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia, which has not yet been reported. Seven hundred and six inpatient adolescents with schizophrenia were recruited. All patients underwent Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to measure Internet addiction, as well as the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for psychopathology. Our results showed that 186 patients had a total IAT score of 50 or more, bringing the prevalence of IA to 26.3%. Girls (21.7%, 92/424) were less likely to have combined IA than boys (33.3%, 94/282). Compared to those patients without IA, patients with IA had better socioeconomic status, higher probability of living in the city, higher levels of depressive symptoms, excited symptoms, and lower levels of concrete symptoms and PANSS total scores (all p<0.05). Further binary logistic regression analysis indicated that good socioeconomic status, living in the city and PANSS total scores were significantly associated with IA. In addition, correlation analysis showed significant correlations between IA total score and the following parameters: good socioeconomic status, living in the city, negative subscore, concrete subscore, depression subscore, excited subscore and PANSS total score (Bonferroni corrected all p <0.05). The results of this study indicate that the prevalence of IA in Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia is higher than that in the general population. Several demographic and clinical variables are risk factors for IA in adolescents with schizophrenia.

Internet Addiction and its Impact among Higher Educational Students from 10 Universities in the Indian State of Chhattisgarh.

Unwarranted internet use can lead to a multiplicity of issues in personal, social, and professional spheres. This phenomenon is known as internet addiction. Between 1989 and 2020, the number of internet users increased from 500000 to 4.83 billion, suggesting a rising trend in the figure of persons who are digitally savvy. India had more than 718 million subscribers as of June 2020, second only to China, according to TRAI. The ground of this study is to scrutinize the magnitude of addiction, its impact, and related factors in universities located in the districts of Chhattisgarh's judicial capital, Bilaspur, and state capital, Raipur. The "Personal Information Form" was used to gather data, which also contained synopses of internet usage, Young's "Internet Addiction Test (IAT)," and a questionnaire the researcher created called the "Impact Scale of Internet Addiction." Out of 937 professionals from different socio-economic backgrounds, 495 (52.82%) were male and 442 (47.18%) were females. The subject's mean age was 21.34 (SD 2.34). The study's findings indicate that the mean IAT score for IA among users was 67.15. Out of the total, 222 (23.69%) respondents were found to be severely addicted, 587 (62.64%) to be possible addicts, and 122 (13.02%) to be mildly addicted, respectively. Only six (0.64%) out of 937 people were considered to be completely safe or addiction-free. Comparing males' and females' outcomes in terms of social media usage, academic performance, tendencies, and purpose has proven to be highly significant. Discuss the probability of addiction, protective factors, and preventive techniques based on these facts.

Role of gender difference in Internet addiction and its association with family interaction among students

Abstract Introduction: Internet addiction (IA) has become a serious behavioral addiction pandemic. IA may potentially affect academic performance and family dynamics. Gender and geographic differences also exist in the ways that people use the Internet for entertainment. This study was conducted to evaluate if gender difference plays a role in IA. Objectives: To determine the association between gender with internet addiction and family interaction among the undergraduate college students and to find the prevalence of internet addiction among them. Materials and Methods: A sample of 252 currently enrolled undergraduate students, between 18 and 23 years of age, were included from three programs (Arts, Science, and Commerce) at a University in Odisha. Data were collected using the IA test (IAT) and the family interaction questionnaire (FIQ). Data were compiled into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Epi-info software. Descriptive data were interpreted as frequencies and percentages. The independent t-test was used to compare the mean scores between IA and family interaction. The Chi-square test was used to test association. A P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 113 (44.8%) males and 55.2% (139) females. The prevalence of IA was 64.8%. Female students had slightly higher mean IAT and FIQ scores than males. The difference in mean scores determined by independent t-tests between the genders was not statistically significant for both IAT (P = 0.054) and FIQ (P = 0.2). There was no significant association between gender with IA levels (P = 0.1507) and family interaction levels (P = 0.6125). Conclusion: The current study revealed there was IA in almost two-thirds of undergraduate students. There was a minor gender difference in IA and family interaction levels among the college students. It is crucial to educate the future generation, parents, and educators about the dangers of IA and the importance of family interaction in managing the problem.

Prediction of internet addiction among high school students in a rural Southern Karnataka, India-A cross-sectional study.

According to the World Health Organization, there is an explosion in the use of electronic devices, the internet, and gaming platforms. In many countries, it is a significant public health concern, prompting calls to identify adequate public policy. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of internet addiction (IA) among high school students and to assess the relationship between the internet addiction level of high school students and their demographic features with internet use. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 high school children studying in eighth standard-tenth standard. Among 121 public and private high schools listed by the BEO (Block Education Officer) Office in Kolar Taluk four high schools were selected by lottery method from July 2021 to August 2021. The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) by Young was used to assess the intensity of internet usage. The mean IAT score of study participants was 29.6. The mean age of the study population was 14.4 ± 0.84 years. The odds of internet addiction among female students were 4.5 times higher than among male students. The majority (91.5%) of the students had used the internet for educational purpose and the other common reasons for internet usage is social media (43%), entertainment (43%), and gaming purpose (21%). The prevalence of IA among high school students is 14.6% with the moderate-risk population was 12.5% and the high-risk population was 2.1%. Students using the internet for both academic and non-academic purposes were more internet addicted. The real challenge is to have control over the usage of social sites-the amount of time being spent and the type of activities adolescents are doing online.

Problematic internet usage: can commitment and progress frameworks help regulate daily personal internet use?

ABSTRACT Objective Problem Internet Usage (PIU) is associated with numerous psychological concerns. The dynamics of self-regulation (DSR) model may provide a useful framework for psychological interventions with PIU, given previous research showing that the framework can be successfully applied to PIU behaviours. Method The authors conducted a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of an internet-based intervention to reduce daily personal internet hours, and PIU severity, for university students who reported PIU issues. Assessments were undertaken at baseline, on each day of the 21-day intervention, and 6-week follow-up. Seventy-four participants completed the intervention and 38 completed follow-up assessments. Results The experimental group reduced daily personal internet usage to a greater degree than the active control group at the end of the intervention. Findings also demonstrated a greater reduction in Internet Addiction Test (IAT) scores for the experimental group compared to the active control, with a third of participants in the experimental condition demonstrating clinically significant change in IAT scores. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the DSR framework may provide a promising approach to reducing PIU.

Genetic polymorphism in HTR2A rs6313 is associated with internet addiction disorder.

Internet addiction disorder (IAD) has grown into public health concern of global proportions. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with IAD may exhibit altered levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are known to play crucial roles in depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and addiction. Therefore, polymorphisms in the receptors that mediate the effects of serotonin and dopamine and affect their functional states as well as their activities are suspect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between IAD and rs6313 (T102C) polymorphism in the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A) gene, (HTR2A). Twenty patients with IAD and twenty healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Barratt Impulse Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to assess the severity of internet addiction, mental status, impulsive traits, sleep quality, and social support. Genotyping was performed to identify rs6313 polymorphisms in the HTR2A gene of all participants. The frequencies of the C and T alleles of HTR2A T102C were 28% and 72% in the IAD group and 53% and 47% in the HCs group, respectively, indicating that the differences between these two groups were significant. No significant difference was observed in the distribution of the CC, CT, and TT genotypes of HTR2A gene T102C between the IAD and the HCs groups. Additionally, there was no difference in the distribution of the frequencies of the HTR2A gene T102C CC and CT+TT genotypes between the two groups. However, the distribution between the TT and CC+CT genotypes showed an apparent statistical difference in the HTR2A gene T102C between the two groups. Correlation analysis indicated that the IAT score was positively correlated with the Y-BOCS and BIS scores for the CC+CT genotype in patients with IAD. Moreover, the IAT score was positively correlated with the PSQI score in patients with IAD carrying the TT genotype. The present study demonstrates that rs6313 in HTR2A is associated with IAD, and that the T allele of rs6313 in HTR2A may be a risk factor for IAD.

The relationship between internet addiction and physical activity levels of university students in a province in eastern Turkey.

Internet addiction and physical inactivity are often a major public health problem. This study aimed to determine the relationship between internet addiction (IA) and physical activity (PA) levels of university students in a province in eastern Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 638 students. Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were administered. Chi-square, independent sample t-test, correlation analysis, one-way analysis of variance tests (ANOVA), Tukey HSD test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. 64.6% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 20.4±2.4 and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.3±3.5. 83.4% of the participants were identified as those asymptomatic, 15.2% showed limited symptoms, and 1.4% were pathological internet users according to IAT. A statistically significant difference was found between IAT scores and gender, mother's education level, father's education level, academic success, smoking status, and alcohol use (p < 0.05). According to IPAQ scores, 28.1% of the students were inactive, 56.3% were moderate PA and 15.7% had vigorous PA levels. IPAQ total scores of male participants, smokers, and participants with exercise habits were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05). The mean score IAT and IPAQ was found to be 30.9±18.9 and 1697.7±1847.0. A negative, significant correlation was found between students' PA and IA levels (p < 0.01). It has been observed that IA negatively affects PA. Seminars, conferences, and panels on the internet and physical activity should be organized for university students.

Internet addiction and depression: a study among adolescents.

The goal of our study is to determine the level of Internet addiction (IA) in adolescents by utilizing the IA scale. We employed two tools: the IA test (IAT) and the beck depression inventory (BDI), complemented by a sociodemographic information form, to assess IA and depression levels. A total of 201 participants were included. A positive correlation was found between daily Internet usage time and IAT scores (r = 0.388, p < 0.001) and between BDI scores and IAT scores (r = 0.161, p = 0.013). Females had a lower mean IAT score (63.56 ± 28.08) (p < 0.001). The BDI scores varied significantly across the groups (p = 0.004). The mean BDI scores were higher in the severe addiction group (13.53 ± 7.15) compared to the moderate (11.04 ± 6.62), mild (10.11 ± 5.38), and normal usage groups (9.28 ± 5.54). A significant difference was found in gender distribution across the groups (p = 0.001). The presence of suicidal ideation differed significantly across the groups (p = 0.002). The presence of depression showed a significant difference (p = 0.038). Our study reveals a significant correlation between increased Internet usage and heightened levels of IA and depression among adolescents, with notable gender differences in IA severity.

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.

Parent-Perceived Benefits and Harms Associated With Internet Use by Adolescent Offspring

Limited systematic information on familial factors and perception of the benefits and harms of internet use by youths is available. Much of the current research has been hampered by small nondiverse samples and limited information on key familial and offspring characteristics. To characterize parental perceptions and concerns about internet use associated with adolescent development, well-being, safety, family connectedness, and potential for problematic internet use. A 20-minute, English-language survey was developed with expert stakeholders using previously validated questionnaires and was conducted online between June 17 and July 5, 2022. Participants included 1005 parents of children and adolescents aged 9 to 15 years drawn from an online digital survey platform and calibrated for representation with post hoc weightings. Parent survey responses about family characteristics and internet use were used to compute Internet Addiction Test scores for parents and their offspring, Alabama Parenting Questionnaire scores, and an aggregate family connectedness score. The survey cohort of 1005 parents included 568 women (56.5%) and 437 men (43.5%) with a mean age (SD) of 39.5 (6.4) years. In terms of race and ethnicity, the most common categories included Black or African American (95 [9.5%]), Latinx or Hispanic (100 [10.0%]), White (602 [59.9%]), and 2 or more races or ethnicities (122 [12.1%]). Respondents endorsed parental concerns that included exposure to harmful content (646 [64.3%]) and online bullying (533 [53.0%]). Two hundred twenty-five parents (22.4%) had specific concerns about internet addiction in their adolescent offspring, and twice as many parents reported specific concerns about internet addiction than substance addiction. However, parents also indicated that internet use improved family connectedness among immediate families (468 [46.6%]) and extended families (568 [56.5%]). Internet Addiction Test scores in adolescent offspring were correlated with parent scores (β = 0.62 [SE = 0.02]; P < .001) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire-Inconsistent Discipline scores (β = 0.23 [SE = 0.11]; P = .04). In this survey study of parent perceptions of internet use among adolescent offspring, parents believed the internet brought families closer yet also expressed concerns. Problematic internet use among youths was correlated with negative parenting styles and parent internet use. This research adds to the literature by suggesting that families, their communities, and industry may have common ground to collaborate on reducing the negative effects of internet use.

Mental health problems, perceived stress, and internet addiction among undergraduate college students of Kathmandu, Nepal

Introduction: The global burden of disease due to mental health problems is on a rise. One of the vulnerable groups are college going youths. The objective of the current study was to examine the frequency and pattern of mental health problems, perceived stress, and internet addiction and explore their relationship with each other among students reporting voluntarily during stress management program. Material and method: A cross-sectional study among 139 undergraduate students was conducted as a part of a program titled "Stress, drugs and internet among college students" during orientation program for undergraduate students of a management college in Kathmandu Valley. Mental Health Screening Questionnaire (MHS), Young's Internet addiction test (YIAT), perceived stress scale (PSS) were used for mental health problems, internet addiction and stress respectively. Results: As per mental health screening questionnaire, 64.7% (90/139) and 7.2% (10/139) participants reported somewhat difficulty and very much or extreme difficulty. There was mild internet addiction among 45.3% and moderate internet addiction among 18.7%. There was significant positive correlation of the MHS score (indicative of number of mental health problems) with the total YIAT score (ρ= 0.404, p&lt; 0.01) and PSS scores (ρ= 0.301, p&lt; 0.01). Also, severity of internet addiction and perceived stress levels were positively associated with each other (ρ= 0.303, p&lt; 0.01). Conclusion: There is significant burden of mental health problems, stress and problematic internet use among the undergraduate students in Nepal. There is also a significant positive correlation of the MHS score (indicative of number of mental health problems) with the Young’s internet addiction test score and perceived stress scale scores.