Internet addiction among adolescents: prevalence, risk factors and impact on mental health

Anuradha Bansal; F. N. U. Pawandeep; Srikanta Basu; Tulika Ranjan; Himanshu Dubey; Tania Saran

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20260824

Authors

Anuradha Bansal Department of Paediatrics, PIMS, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
F. N. U. Pawandeep Department of Paediatrics, PIMS, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
Srikanta Basu Department of Paediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College and KSCH, Delhi, India
Tulika Ranjan epartment of Paediatrics, Patna Medical College, Patna, Bihar, India
Himanshu Dubey Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, M. P., India
Tania Saran PIMS, Jalandhar, Punjab, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20260824

Keywords:

Internet addiction, Internet use, Adolescent, Adolescent health, Mental health, Adolescent students

Abstract

Background: Internet addiction (IA) is defined as compulsive use of internet resulting in significant impairment to the user. We conducted this study to understand the prevalence of IA and its impact on mental health of adolescents.

Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, school and college going students of age group 14-19 years were enrolled. They administered a pre-structured questionnaire to assess the pattern of internet use, level of IA and impact of internet on their mental health.

Results: Overall, 445 eligible students were enrolled in the study. Majority participants were in the age group of 16-17 years (83.2%). The prevalence of moderate to severe IA was 23.8%. Internet use for more than 4.5 hours a day and use of social media platforms were significant risk factors for development of IA. There was a significant correlation between IA and stress, depression or anxiety

Conclusions: About one-fourth of adolescents have IA. There is a need to reduce the use of social media and limit the duration of internet use to prevent the development of addiction.

Author Biography

Srikanta Basu, Department of Paediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College and KSCH, Delhi, India

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