Prevalence Of Problematic Internet Use Research Articles

The associations between family characteristics and problematic Internet use among adolescents in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT The current study assessed the family correlates of problematic Internet use (PIU) in a nationally representative sample of Saudi adolescents. Students (grades: 7–12; N = 2,546) from three cities in Saudi Arabia (random selection of schools) filled out a survey on Young’s Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) and family characteristics (e.g. parents’ socioeconomic status [SES], family harmony, family members’ Internet use, and parental Internet controls). A multilevel log-binomial regression assessed family correlates of PIU (YIAT ≥40). The mean (SD) age was 15.6 (±1.8) years; 54% were girls; PIU prevalence was 41.8%. A poor SES (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.4), low family harmony (bottom quartile OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7), no parental restriction/supervision (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.8), and heavy Internet use by siblings (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.5) were significantly associated with PIU. Certain identified family risk factors are amenable to interventions given the high PIU prevalence among Saudi adolescents.

Emerging Adults in a Digitalized World: Influence of Gender on the Domains of Problematic Internet Use

Numerous researchers have investigated the importance of exploring the factors associated with issues of problematic Internet use among emerging adults. This study aimed to explore the interaction between problematic Internet use and gender differences within the domains of problematic Internet use, namely obsession, neglect, and control disorder. Problematic Internet use was assessed using the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ). 386 emerging adults from University of Lagos(50.5% males and 49.5% females) were purposively selected to participate in a survey. Prevalence of problematic Internet use was found to be 80.8%, and females (51.9%) demonstrated higher problematic Internet use compared to males (48.1%), [t(384) = -2.142, p < .05]. On the domains, however, multivariate regression analyses revealed gender differences within domains of problematic Internet use: females displayed a higher level of obsession [F(1, 384) = 3.864, p = .050, R2 = .010] compared to males, and were more likely to struggle with controlling Internet use [F(1, 384) = 7.719, p < .05, R2 = .020]. The findings from this study suggest a persistent rise in problematic Internet use among emerging adults. Preliminary evidence highlights the effectiveness and efficacy of gender-specific intervention strategies in addressing Internet addiction. Furthermore, the study recommended advocacy efforts and evidence-based parenting techniques that encourage alternative offline engagements. These interventions aim to minimise adolescents’ screen time while promoting positive attributes such as self-control and self-esteem, which research has shown to be helpful in preventing problematic Internet use. Lastly, the research will add to the existing knowledge on gender and internet use. Keywords: Gender, Problematic Internet Use, Neglect, Obsession, Control Disorder

Prevalence of Problematic Internet Use among Spanish Adolescents

Prevalence of Problematic Internet Use among Spanish Adolescents

Internet Addiction and Depression among Syrian College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Problematic internet use (PIU) or internet addiction has become increasingly prevalent, and concerns about its impact on mental health and social functioning have grown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PIU among Syrian university students and its relationship with their demographics, internet user behavior, and mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students in Syrian government universities between 12 April and 29 May 2022. The survey included the Beck Depression Inventory and the Internet Addiction Scale. Results: Out of 2891 participants, 75.2% were female, with an average age of 21.87. The average Internet Addiction Test (IAT) score was 49.4, and the overall prevalence of PIU was 89%. Furthermore, 93.0% of participants displayed possible signs and symptoms of depression. PIU was significantly linked with physical abuse (p = 0.001) and mental stress (p = 0.0001). Internet addiction is (AOR:1.723, COR:2.289) fold more likely to occur in those with more than 8 h of sleep per night than in those who sleep for less than 6 h (p-value < 0.05). Unadjusted regression analysis showed that 13 predictors of the independent variables were statistically significant in predicting the presence of internet addiction, such as participants who suffered from a breakup (COR:2.039), domestic violence (COR:2.136), physical abuse (COR:2.190), or mental stress (COR:2.621) were more likely to be affected by internet addiction than those who did not (p-value < 0.05). Conclusions: The study found a high rate of internet addiction among Syrian medical students, with those experiencing mental health problems and depression symptoms more likely to be internet addicts. To prevent PIU, students should be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, and awareness programs should be enhanced to highlight the negative effects of internet addiction.

Problematic Internet Use in Undergraduate Health Science Students at a Remote Place of Nepal: a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Problematic internet use (PIU) is a growing concern among teenage and college students. Excessive internet use has detrimental effects on physical and mental health. This study aims to assess the computer usage pattern and calculate the frequency of PIU in undergraduate health science students at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, a remote place of Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted from October to November 2022. Data were collected from all the undergraduate students who consented to participate. The questionnaire included students’ computer-related behaviours. PIU was defined as a score of 42 or above on the PIU questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics, keeping p value <0.05 as significant. Results: Among 127 students, majority used smartphones and laptops, primarily for social media. The mean duration of internet use was 6.09±2.63 years, with an average daily use of 2.54±2.05 hours on weekdays and 3.88±2.2 hours on weekends. The prevalence of PIU among the participants was 43.3%, which was not significantly different by gender (p=0.094). The PIU score was positively correlated with annual income of family, years of internet use, and daily screen and internet use time (p<0.05). Conclusion: PIU is prevalent among undergraduate health science students at Karnali Academy. The findings emphasize the need for awareness, guidance, and proper planning to promote healthy internet usage habits among students. Educational institutions should play an active role in implementing strategies to address PIU and support students for a healthy internet use.

Problematic internet use and sleep quality in adolescents with major depressive disorder

ABSTRACT This study aims to compare adolescents newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls in terms of problematic internet use (PIU) and sleep quality. The study sample consisted of 50 newly diagnosed MDD patients aged 12–18 years and 50 healthy controls. Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) was administered to all cases by a child psychiatrist and sociodemographic data were collected. Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT) were administered to all participants. Data of the MDD and control groups were compared using Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test and the total scores of the IAT (z = −6.23, p < 0.001) and PSQI (t =–11.42, p < 0.001) scales were found to be significantly higher in MDD cases compared to the control group. The results of analysis of covariance demonstrated that there was a significant positive correlation between CDI and IAT, as well as CDI and PSQI total scores in patients with MDD. While no correlation was observed between the total scores of the IAT and PSQI scales in the MDD group, a significant positive correlation was found between the total scores of the IAT and PSQI scales in the healthy control group. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the PSQI habitual sleep efficiency subscale score and the IAT total score (r = 0.36, p = 0.009), and the IAT responsibility (r = 0.34, p = 0.015), relationship (r = 0.36, p = 0.01), and mood subscale scores (r = 0.30, p = 0.03). A significant positive correlation was also found between the IAT duration subscale score and PSQI sleep disorder subscale score (r = 0.35, p = 0.013). In addition, binary logistic regression analysis showed that PSQI total score (B = 0.79, p < 0.001) and IAT total scores (B = 0.08, p = 0.001) could be significant predictors of MDD. The findings of this study indicate that the prevalence of PIU and poor sleep quality is higher in adolescents with newly diagnosed MDD compared to healthy controls. The results of our study indicated that the severity of depression, PIU, and sleep quality were significantly correlated in adolescents with newly diagnosed MDD, while PIU and sleep quality were correlated in adolescents without any psychiatric disorders. In addition, this study suggests that poor sleep quality and PIU may be risk factors for MDD.

Prevalence of problematic Internet use and problematic gaming in Spanish adolescents

Epidemiological studies on problematic Internet use and problematic gaming conducted so far have mainly been carried out with unrepresentative and self-selected convenience samples, resulting in unreliable prevalence rates. This study estimates the prevalence of problematic Internet use and problematic gaming in a large sample of Spanish adolescents (N = 41,507) and identifies risk and protective factors for these risky behaviours. Data were collected online using the Adolescent Problem Internet Use Scale and the Adolescent Gaming Addiction Scale. Using a cut-off approach with measurement instruments inspired by the DSM-5 framework, we found a prevalence of 33% for problematic Internet use and 3.1% for problematic gaming. With a more conservative approach inspired by the ICD-11 framework, prevalence rates decreased to 2.98% for problematic Internet use and 1.8% for problematic gaming. Female gender, higher parents’ education, elevated Internet connection time, reporting being online after midnight and using the mobile phone in class predicted problematic Internet use; whereas male gender, “living situation” where families do not have a traditional structure or stable environment, elevated Internet connection time and reporting using the mobile phone in class predicted problematic gaming. A cut-off approach involving scales that recycle substance use criteria (as in the DSM-5) over-pathologize Internet use and gaming behaviours. In contrast, the ICD-11 approach seems to provide more realistic and reliable prevalence rates.

Associations between internet addiction and psychological problems among adolescents: description and possible explanations.

Internet addiction (IA) is becoming a significant public health issue that requires urgent attention, especially for adolescents. Previous studies mainly focused on the risk factors of Internet addiction and drawn some conclusions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the Internet addiction status and concurrent psychological problems in adolescent groups, and explore the differences in the relationship between IA and psychological problems in adolescents from gender and grade. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of junior and senior high school in 21 prefecture-level cities of Guangdong Province. The Young Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ) and the validated Chinese version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were used to assess participants' Internet addiction and psychological status. Two-way ANOVA was used to verify the interaction between gender and Internet addiction, grade and Internet addiction on psychological problems. When the interaction was statistically significant, simple effect analysis was further carried out. The prevalence of problematic Internet use (PIU), depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among adolescents were 16.32%, 30.16%, 35.97% and 18.80% respectively. Although the prevalence of PIU among boys (17.89%) was higher than that of girls (14.86%), girls in PIU group had the highest scores of depression, anxiety and stress. Similarly, the interaction between grade and Internet addiction was also significant (p < 0.05). Although the prevalence of PIU was the highest in grade 9 (17.29%), the adverse effects of Internet addiction on psychological problems were different in different grades. Internet addiction was prevalent among adolescents in Guangdong province, and psychological problems also cannot be ignored. Thus, this study suggests that long-term follow-ups should be included in mental health programs of adolescents to monitor the development of Internet addiction and psychological problems.

Prevalence of Problematic Internet Use and its Risk Factors among the Adolescents in Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Problematic Internet Use is growing as a potentially problematic condition parallel to existing behavioral disorders, especially among adolescents. Nonetheless, the condition is widespread and problematic, limited scientific evidence is available on the prevalence, diagnosis, risk factors, prevention, and efficacy of the treatment globally as well as locally. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of Problematic Internet Use among 15-19-year-old adolescents in Colombo district. The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) developed by Young (1998) was adapted, translated, and validated for this study. A school-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 1351 school-going adolescents by the multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was used for the data collection and the data analysis was done using the SPSS-21 version. Initial bivariate analysis was followed up with Multivariate Logistic Regression analysis to determine the risk factors of Problematic Internet Use. The prevalence of Problematic Internet Use among adolescents was 17.2% (95% CI: 15.2-19.3). Male sex (AOR=2.27;95% CI:1.27-4.07), excessive use of social media (AOR=4.32; 95% CI:2.12-8.80), lack of engagement in outdoor sports(AOR=5.4; 95% CI:2.49-11.73), unemployed mother (AOR=2.06;95% CI:1.40-3.04), excessive engagement of internet gaming (AOR=1.94;95% CI:1.34-2.82), excessive internet usage time per day for nonacademic activities (AOR=2.59; 95%CI:1.71-3.91), higher duration of internet use in years (AOR=2.64;95% CI:1.80-3.85), and no excessive internet use by the parents (AOR=0.46; 95% CI:0.30-0.70) were the statistically significant risk factors. The prevalence of Problematic Internet Use among adolescents was within the range. The study findings will aid the policymakers and administrators in preventing, diagnosing, and managing Problematic Internet Use among this age group of adolescents.

Associations Between Problematic Internet Use and Mental Health Outcomes of Students: A Meta-analytic Review.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40894-022-00201-9.

Problematic Internet Use and Attachment Styles among Adolescents in Japan.

Problematic Internet use (PIU) remains a significant social concern in Japan and other countries across the globe. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the prevalence of PIU, and its association with lifestyle habits and mental health status. To the best of our knowledge, few studies have examined the association between parental attachment and PIU in Japan. Furthermore, preventive measures in Japan have primarily targeted adolescents via education. Thus, we explored the association between PIU and attachment styles among adolescents to seek a new approach for the development of appropriate effective measures. A self-administered survey was conducted at one private (in 2018) and two public junior high schools (in 2020) in Kagawa, western Japan. We used the Internet addiction test (IAT), the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures (ECR-RS) questionnaire, and the Birleson Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRS-C). Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the association between the IAT scores and attachment styles. Of 1,413 participants (grades 7-9; 700 boys and 713 girls), 39% of the students showed possible PIU and 3% showed PIU. Students with PIU tended to sleep for lesser durations, access the Internet for long hours, and have poor mental health status (p < 0.01). PIU was significantly associated with insecure attachment (p < 0.0001). The findings of our study imply that improving attachment styles and developing secure attachment between the child and the parent might help mitigate and/or prevent PIU.

PROBLEM INTERNET USE IN NURSING STUDENTS AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE

Problematic internet use (PIU) has been evaluated as an important factor that negatively affects people’s lives, and it is increasing at an alarming rate. Although growing interest in Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) in the high school population, very little is known about the potential risks of the use of the internet for university students. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of PIU and its relationship to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among nursing students. This cross-sectional study surveyed 269 (104 male and 165 female) students at a university, using a self-administered questionnaire with sections on socio-demographics, score for internet use/addiction (IA), and an assessment of HRQOL. The statistical analysis was done with SPSS Version 23 using Independent-Samples t Test, Fisher's Exact Test, and Chi-Square Test. The ages of students in the research group ranged from 17 to 29 with a mean age of 20.86±1.79. The prevalence of problematic internet use was 9.3% (total of 25 students). Participants with PIU are more likely to experience poor physical and mental health.PIU is widespread among university students, and PIU was significantly associated with poor HRQOL. Effective precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of this problem and interventions to prevent the effects of PIU on HRQOL should be conducted as early as probable.

Problematic internet use and depressive symptoms among the school-going adolescents in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study findings.

Problematic internet use (PIU) by children and adolescents is a concern for many parents. Several factors, including students' education level, the method of instruction, the dependence on the internet, and their intended use of the internet, could all be contributing factors to PIU and depression. Disturbed mental health may be attributed to the cancellation of physical education classes because of the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aimed to assess the association of COVID-19 pandemic with PIU and depressive symptoms in adolescent students. We performed this cross-sectional study among 491 school-going adolescents of 10 to 16 years. Self-administered questionnaires were applied to collect sociodemographic information and the internet usage pattern of the participants. We measured the prevalence of PIU and depressive symptoms using the PIU questionnaire (PIUQ-SF-6) and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The estimations of the risk group for PIU and depressive symptoms among school-going adolescents were 80.04% and 77.80%, respectively. The latent profiling of PIU scores for obsession, neglect, and control sub-groups were 5.82, 6.12, and 6.35, respectively. Moreover, we observed mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms in 48.68%, 27.70%, and 1.43% of cases. Age, education level, medium of education, financial impression, internet connection, the device used, the purpose for internet use, and the living status of respondents were significantly associated with the PIU. Reported mental health issues was associated with education level, medium of education, financial impression, and internet connection. The present study revealed an association of PIU and depressive symptoms with sociodemographic factors and internet usage patterns. Therefore, these results might have practical implications in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy. The healthcare professional can develop a context-specific comprehensive clinical intervention plan for children and adolescents.

Individual-level correlates of problematic internet use among adolescents: A nationally representative study in Saudi Arabia

Though there is no consensus on its definition, problematic Internet use (PIU), especially in adolescents, is concerning. Research into risk factors is needed. We explored associations between lifestyle and individual characteristics associated with PIU in a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Students (Grades: 7–12; n = 2,546) from randomly selected schools in three major cities across Saudi Arabia completed Young's Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) and questions about demography, lifestyle, religiosity, and Internet use. A multilevel regression model was used to assess correlates of PIU (defined as YIAT ≥40). Participants’ mean (SD) age was 15.6 (±1.8) years; 54% were girls. The PIU prevalence was 41.8%, while the prevalence of Internet addiction (YIAT ≥70) was 3.7%. The odds of having PIU increased incrementally and significantly across increasing screen times (OR 1.2, 1.9, 2.3, and 2.9 for 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, and >8 hours/daily, respectively; ref ≤2 hours) and across decreasing ages of Internet initiation (OR 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 respectively for 11–12, 9–10 and ≤8 years, respectively; ref ≥13 years). The odds of having PIU were ∼20% higher among those with low or moderate (ref = high) religiosity, although results were not statistically significant. Additionally, the odds of having PIU were higher among those who had unhealthy diets (OR 1.4). PIU is associated with other risk behaviors as well as resilience factors in Saudi Arabia. Delaying Internet initiation among children may help reduce PIU. Among intermediate and high school students in Saudi Arabia: • The prevalence of problematic Internet use (PIU) was high (∼41.8%). • PIU was higher among smokers and low academic performers. • PIU increased with lower ages of Internet initiation. • PIU did not vary by gender or the extent of Quran memorization.

Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents 18 Months after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Studies in recent years and especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown a significant increase in the problematic use of computer games and social media. Adolescents having difficulties in regulating their unpleasant emotions are especially prone to Problematic Internet Use (PIU), which is why emotion dysregulation has been considered a risk factor for PIU. The aim of the present study was to assess problematic internet use (PIU) in adolescents after the third wave (nearly 1.5 years after the onset in Europe) of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the German region of Siegen-Wittgenstein, all students 12 years and older from secondary-level schools, vocational schools and universities were offered a prioritized vaccination in August 2021 with an approved vaccine against COVID-19. In this context, the participants filled out the Short Compulsive Internet Use Scale (SCIUS) and two additional items to capture a possible change in digital media usage time and regulation of negative affect due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of PIU. The original sample consisted of 1477 participants, and after excluding invalid cases the final sample size amounted to 1268 adolescents aged 12-17 (x = 14.37 years, SD = 1.64). The average prevalence of PIU was 43.69%. Gender, age, digital media usage time and the intensity of negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic were all found to be significant predictors of PIU: female gender, increasing age, longer digital media usage time and higher intensity of negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with higher SCIUS total scores. This study found a very high prevalence of PIU among 12- to 17-year-olds for the period after the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased significantly compared to pre-pandemic prevalence rates. PIU is emerging as a serious problem among young people in the pandemic. Besides gender and age, pandemic-associated time of digital media use and emotion regulation have an impact on PIU, which provides starting points for preventive interventions.

THE PREVALENCE OF PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE AMONG NURSING STUDENTS: A DESCRIPTIVE SURVEY APPROACH

BACKGROUND OF STUDY: Life with internet has become as easy as it keeps us updated about various information. The Internet has become an integral part of student’s life. Student nurses at the beginning of their career are so enthusiastic and curious about learning new things. They prefer browsing the internet about various procedures rather than asking professors. It is not only an integral part, but also has become a vital necessity in the daily life of people, especially students. Nevertheless, its use is also posing a threat to our belief, tending to lose the inner voice: weakening us from doing things to our fullest, which lies within our potential yet escaping to do so. It has important clinical implications, because it may be a common behavioral marker of significant mental health problems that might go understood.Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of Problematic Internet Use among nursing students and to find out the association between Problematic Internet Use with selected socio-demographic variables.METHODS: A quantitative research approach with exploratory survey design was used to collect the data among 100 students of selected college of Vadodara. They were selected by the non-probability purposive sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of problematic Internet use. The collected data was analyzed and interpreted using SPSS version 25.RESULTS: The prevalence of problematic internet use among nursing students revealed that majority (58%) had moderate problematic followed by 38% had mild problematic and only 4% had no problematic internet use with median score of 62 and mean knowledge score was 59.98 with standard deviation was 15.23. The association between prevalence of problematic internet use among nursing students with their selected socio-demographic variables showed that gender of nursing students was statistically significant at p&lt;0.05 level with prevalence of problematic internet use.

Internet use and abuse in the adult population of Galicia: Prevalence and associated characteristics.

Internet use has rapidly spread around the world becoming an indispensable part of daily life. Despite its advantages, the dysfunctional use or abuse of the Internet can lead to addiction problems. The main objectives established in this study were to assess the prevalence of Internet use in the general Galician population and the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) and at-risk of PIU in 2017. The Surveillance Information System on Risk Behavior is based on annual cross-sectional surveys among the population aged at least 16 years residing in Galicia, Spain. A total of 7,841 participants were recruited in 2017 using a stratified random sampling. Internet users were classified into three categories: normal use, maladaptive/at-risk of PIU and PIU, based on their score in the Internet-related experiences questionnaire. A total of 74.8%, 95% CI [73.8-75.8], of the Galician population aged 16 to 74 used the Internet in the month before the survey was performed, exceeding 95% in the population aged below 45 years. Most users use chat applications and social networks. The prevalence of PIU or at-risk of PIU in the population aged 16 to 74 was 1.0% [0.8-1.3], reaching 5.2% [4.2-6.2] in the population aged between 16 and 24. The prevalence of Internet use in Galicia is slightly lower than those obtained in Spain and Europe. Moreover, PIU is an emerging problem in the population with the youngest population being the most affected.

Prevalence of Problematic Internet Use and its Association with Psychological Distress and Coping Strategies among Universiti Teknologi Mara Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our day-to-day life and brings a serious impact on public mental health. Due to the practice of physical distancing, the Internet technology is being used to accommodate our daily interactions. In view of the increasing dependency towards this technology, its impact on our mental health well-being is indeterminate. This study aimed to examine the association between problematic Internet use, psychological distress, and the type of coping strategies used among Universiti Teknologi MARA students during this pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using Internet Addiction Test, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Of the 444 respondents, 32.2% were noted to have problematic Internet use with 61.3% reported psychological distress. Problematic Internet use was associated with higher level of psychological distress (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01 – 1.08), and the coping strategies of self-distraction (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04 – 1.47) and behavioural disengagement (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.07 – 1.55). Conclusion: A high prevalence of psychological distress and its association with problematic Internet use and maladaptive coping among students during this pandemic was evident in this study. Hence, the findings from this study could help to provide insight on the state of the psychological well-being of students in higher education institutions as well as to assist the stakeholders in taking measures to help the students dealing with the pandemic.

A Trying Time: Problematic Internet Use (PIU) and its association with depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BackgroundThe prevalence of problematic Internet use (PIU) among adolescents and young adults (AYA) was approximately 9–11% before the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of PIU among AYAs (especially younger adolescents) during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS). Additionally, we examined the relationship between PIU, depression and anxiety among AYAs during the same period.MethodsA descriptive-analysis survey study was completed over a 6-month period from January 4, 2021, to June 30, 2021. It was conducted at a tertiary care Adolescent Medicine Clinic with AYAs age 12–21. The PRIUSS screened for PIU, the PHQ-9A [Patient Health Questionnaire-9A] screened for depression, and the GAD-7 [General Anxiety Disorder-7] screened for generalized anxiety. Fisher’s exact test, the Mann–Whitney test and Spearman correlations were performed.ResultsA positive PRIUSS score was observed in 18% of the 447 participants. Of these participants, 44% had a pre-existing diagnosis of depression, 39% had a pre-existing diagnosis of anxiety and 29% had a pre-existing diagnosis of depression and anxiety. There was a positive correlation between PRIUSS, PHQ-9A and GAD-7 total scores. A higher PRIUSS score was associated with a higher PHQ-9A and GAD-7 score (p < 0.001). There was also a positive correlation between a positive PRIUSS score and a pre-existing diagnosis of depression (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study showed a higher prevalence of PIU during the COVID-19 pandemic using the PRIUSS. In addition, a positive correlation between PRIUSS scores and pre-existing diagnosis of depression, positive GAD-7 and PHQ-9A scores was noted. In conclusion, medical providers should consider screening for PIU in AYAs with positive mental health screens.

Problematic Internet Use Among University Students in Jamaica.

The prevalence of problematic Internet use (PIU) and its associated negative outcomes among college students has been heavily researched in developed countries. However, despite the increased accessibility of the Internet and indicators which may suggest PIU in developing countries such as Jamaica, PIU in this context remains grossly understudied. This study surveyed 277 Jamaican university students and found evidence of PIU, with younger respondents (ages 18–23) at risk. The findings also indicate that the predictors of PIU in this sample are depressive symptomatology, avoidant-attachment, and low social connectedness (R2 = .208, F[7, 269] = 10.112, p < .001). Findings from the current study highlight that problematic Internet use is of concern in this developing context and warrants further exploration.