Publication: Internet Addiction among Secondary School Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study
Date
2019
Article Type
Original Article
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
JNMA Print ISSN: 0028-2715; Online ISSN: 1815-672X
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 344 - 351
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Excessive use of internet can lead to "Internet Addiction". A sharp rise in the number of internet users among adolescents in Bhutan have been observed lately which could have potential side-effects on their health. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of internet addiction and psychological co-morbidities among the secondary school-going adolescents.
Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional quan-qual sequential mixed method design with a quantitative component and qualitative component. The study was conducted between 1st May and 30st November 2017 conducted in twelve schools across Bhutan after taking ethical clearance was from Research Ethics Board of Health of Bhutan. Data were doubleentered in EpiData Entry, validated and imported into STATA version 12.0 for analysis. Point estimate at 95% CI was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data.
Results: Among 721 adolescents from twelve selected schools, prevalence of internet addiction was 248 (34.440%) at , 95% Confidence Interval (31-38%). Out of A total of 586 (81%) preferred smartphone for internet use with 388 (54%) actually using it. Depression and anxietywere the associated psychological co-morbidities seen along with internet addiction. Internet addiction was high among those using internet at home, using smartphone for internet access, social networking and night time internet use were associated with internet addiction. Boredom, stress/anxiety and peer pressure were triggers of internet use. Internet addiction also affected academic performance, social interactions and sleep.
Conclusions: Prevalence of internet addiction among adolescents in Bhutan is high comparing to previous standard data which requires immediate attention.
Keywords: adolescent; anxiety; depression; internet addiction; stress.
Description
Karma Tenzin
Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan Thimpu, Bhutan
Thinley Dorji
Ministry of Education, Thimpu, Bhutan
Tshering Choeda
Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan Thimpu, Bhutan
Phuntsho Wangdi
Ministry of Education, Thimpu, Bhutan
Myo Minn Oo
International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Myanmar
Jay Prasad Tripathi
Department of community medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, India
Tashi Tenzin
Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical sciences of Bhutan, Thimpu, Bhutan
Tashi Tobgay
World Health Organization, Thimpu, Bhutan
Keywords
adolescent, anxiety, depression, internet addiction, stress
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.4292