Prevalence and Risk Factors of Problematic Internet Use and Its Relationships to the Self-Esteem and Health-Related Quality of Life: Data From a High-School Survey in Giresun Province, Turkey.

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.