Original scientific paper

HIGH RISK OF INTERNET ADDICTION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LIFETIME SUBSTANCE USE, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS AMONG 10th GRADE ADOLESCENTS

Cuneyt Evren ; Alcohol and Drug Research, Treatment and Training Center (AMATEM), Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
Ercan Dalbudak ; Department of Psychiatry, Turgut Ozal University, Ankara, Turkey
Bilge Evren ; Department of Psychiatry, Baltalimani State Hospital for Muskuloskeletal Disorders, Istanbul, Turkey
Arzu Ciftci Demirci ; Alcohol and Drug Research, Treatment and Training Center (AMATEM), Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of higher risk of Internet addiction (HRIA) with lifetime
substance use, psychological and behavioral factors among Turkish 10th grade students.
Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional online self-report survey conducted in 45 schools from the 15 districts in Istanbul,
Turkey. A representative sample of 4957 10th grade students was studied between October 2012 and December 2012. Other than
sociodemographic variables the survey included the Addiction Profile Index Internet Addiction Form-Screening Version (BAPINTSV)
and the Psychological Screening Test for Adolescents (PSTA).
Results: The participants were classified into two groups as those with HRIA (15.96%) and those with lower risk of Internet
addiction. The rate of HRIA was higher in the males. The findings indicated that HRIA is related with negative consequences in
school, lifetime use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drug, suicidal thoughts, self-harming and delinquent behaviors.
Conclusions: Male gender, lifetime use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drug, depression, attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms
and lack of assertiveness predicted the HRIA in Turkish 10th grade students. Being aware of those with HRIA is important in
prevention and management of Internet addiction as well as other important problems among students, such as substance use.

Keywords

internet addiction - substance abuse - depression - adolescents - Turkey

Hrčak ID:

162215

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/162215

Publication date:

15.12.2014.

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