Prevalence and Risk Factors of Problematic Internet Use and Its Relationships to the Self-Esteem and Health-Related Quality of Life

Dec 2, 2020Journal of addictions nursing

How Common Problematic Internet Use Is and Its Links to Self-Esteem and Quality of Life in High School Students in Giresun, Turkey

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Abstract

Nearly 21.1% of high school students exhibited problematic internet use (PIU).

Problematic internet use is associated with poor self-esteem and decreased physical and mental health.
Students using the internet primarily for social networking showed significantly higher levels of PIU.
The severity of PIU correlates with factors such as school type, residence, perceived academic performance, and parental relationships.
No significant correlation was found between PIU and age group, gender, number of siblings, parental education levels, family income, sleep duration, or cohabitation with parents.

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PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) among high school students, to evaluate its potential risk factors, and to investigate its relation to self-esteem and health-related quality of life.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,558 high school students in Turkey. Participants completed the Internet Addiction Test as well as the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and 12-item Short Form Health Survey. Demographics and internet usage patterns were also collected. Data analysis was conducted by descriptive and analytical statistics (Pearson chi-square tests, independent-samples t test, and binary logistic regression).

RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 16.20 ± 1.05 years. Nearly 21.1% of the participants exhibited PIU (Internet Addiction Test score ≥ 50). The findings indicated that PIU was associated with poor self-esteem and poor physical and mental health. The PIU was significantly higher among students using the internet for social networking. The chi-square analysis showed a significant correlation between the severities of PIU and the students' type of school, residence, perceived academic performance, and relationship with parents (p < .05). No significant correlation was found between PIU severity and age group, gender, number of siblings, paternal or maternal educational levels, self-reported family income, sleep duration, or whether or not they resided with parents (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS: PIU was found to be a common problem among high school students, and it was significantly correlated with self-esteem and health-related quality of life. To alleviate this public health problem, at-risk groups should be identified and timely management strategies and effective prevention programs should be established.

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Problematic Internet Use and Its Relationships to the Self-Esteem and Health-Related Quality of Life

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