Determinants of Problematic Internet Use Among El-Minia High School Students, Egypt

BACKGROUND Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a growing problem in Egyptian adolescents. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of PIU among high school students in El-Minia Governorate and to determine the personal, clinical, and social characteristics of them. METHODS A cross-sectional study was applied among a random sample of high school students in El-Minia Governorate. PIU was assessed by the 20-item Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT). Information was also collected on demographics, dietary, and health-related factors. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-16) software was used. Chi-square test (X (2)), Fisher's Exact Test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used whenever, applicable. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were also applied in order to calculate the odds ratios (OR). RESULTS Of the 605 students, 16 (2.6%) were Problematic Internet Users (PIUs), 110 (18.2%) were Potential (PIUs). Adolescents with PIU were associated with male gender, poor friends' relations, bad family relations, irregular bedtime, and bad personal hygiene. PIUs were more likely to suffer from physical symptoms; weight gain, joint stiffness, lack of physical energy, and emotional symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of PIU reported in this study is low, however, the Potential PIUs was high and preventative measures are recommended.