The prevalence and possible risk factors of gaming disorder among adolescents in China.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, moderate gaming behaviors can be a pleasant and relaxing experiences among adolescents. However, excessive gaming behavior may lead to gaming disorder (GD) that disruption of normal daily life. Understanding the possible risk factors of this emerging problem would help to suggest effective at preventing and intervening. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of GD and analyze its possible risk factors that adolescents with GD. METHODS: Data were collected between October 2020 and January 2021. In total, a sample of 7901 students (4080 (52%) boys, 3742 (48%) girls; aged 12-18 years) completed questionnaires regarding the Gaming-Related Behaviors Survey, Gaming Disorder Symptom Questionnaire-21 (GDSQ-21); Behavioral Inhibition System and Behavioral Activation System Scale (BIS/BAS Scale); Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ); Short-form Egna Minnenav Barndoms Uppfostran for Chinese (s-EMBU-C); and Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist (ASLEC). RESULTS: The prevalence of GD was 2.27% in this adolescent sample. The GD gamers were a little bit older (i.e., a higher proportion of senior grades), more boys, with more gaming hours per week in the last 12 months, with more reward responsiveness, maternal rejecting and occurrence of negative life events (e.g., interpersonal relationships, being punished and bereavement factors). CONCLUSION: These possible risk factors may influence the onset of GD. Future research in clinical, public health, education and other fields should focus on these aspects for provide target prevention and early intervention strategies.

Associations between social network addiction, anxiety symptoms, and risk of metabolic syndrome in Peruvian adolescents-a cross-sectional study.

Background: The link between physical and mental health and screen time in adolescents has been the subject of scientific scrutiny in recent years. However, there are few studies that have evaluated the association between social network addiction (SNA) and metabolic risk in this population. Objective: This study determined the association between SNA and anxiety symptoms with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Peruvian adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, who completed a Social Network Addiction Questionnaire and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale (GAD-2), between September and November 2022. A total of 903 participants were included in the study using a non-probability convenience sample. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the association between SNA and anxiety symptoms with MetS in a cross-sectional analysis. Results: Males were more likely to have MetS than females (OR = 1.133, p = 0.028). Participants who were 16 years of age or older and those with excess body weight were 2.166, p = 0.013 and 19.414, p < 0.001 times more likely to have MetS, respectively. Additionally, SNA (OR = 1.517, p = 0.016) and the presence of anxiety symptoms (OR = 2.596, p < 0.001) were associated with MetS. Conclusion: Our findings suggest associations between SNA, anxiety symptoms, and MetS among youth. However, more studies are needed to better understand this association and to deepen the possible clinical and public health implications.

Issues of risky behaviours in university students.

AIM: Risk behaviour is typical of adolescence and young adulthood, but the consequences can persist for the rest of life - in all domains - physical, psychological, and social. Challenging situations, stress, as well as feelings of a lack of stimulation in an individual's life are considered to be triggers for risky behaviours. Prevention therefore plays a crucial role. The aim of the study was to analyse the current situation in addictive and risky sexual behaviours in a group of university students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2019 and 2022, students of universities in East Bohemia - University of Hradec Králové (UHK), Charles University (UK), University of Defence (UNOB), and University of Pardubice (UPCE) - were approached and asked to complete a questionnaire survey focused on addictive and risky sexual behaviours. Based on the search strategy, research hypotheses were constructed, which were subsequently developed into interview questions. The research hypotheses were tested using Pearson's test. The questionnaire return rate was 84%. After eliminating invalid responses, 157 participants were included in the survey - 64% female, 36% male, age range 19-32 years. RESULTS: In the area of addictive behaviours, the focus was on substance and non-substance addictions. In terms of addictive substances, a question addressed cigarette smoking, which was reported by 14.6% of the survey participants. This is 50% less than what we see in the general population of the same age (by general population we mean the group of people approached for the surveys conducted, chosen by stratified random sampling based on age). In contrast, significantly higher rates of university students reported the use of illicit substances - marijuana, sedatives/tranquilizers without a doctor's prescription, cocaine, or hallucinogens compared to the age-matched general population. In the area of risky sexual behaviours, a question was included       about sexual intercourse with casual acquaintances. It was experienced by one in four respondents. In 83.3%, this behaviour was influenced by the use of an addictive substance. The survey pointed to the high rates of salutoprotective factors (e.g. interest in sports was reported by 87.9% of respondents). Perceived social support from friends (reported by 74.5% of respondents) or family (reported by 72.6% of respondents) is a preventive factor for risky behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of the survey was to determine the prevalence of high-risk addictive and sexual behaviours among university students and possible prevention measures. Salutoprotective factors during increased stress or awareness of social support seem to be of benefit. We assumed a protective effect of higher education, but this survey did not show it. On the contrary, the stress induced by university studies and the pressure on academic performance appeared to be a risk factor. The results of the survey provide insights into new approaches to the prevention to improve its effectiveness and point to major problems to be addressed in Czech university students.

Depression, stress, and anxiety versus internet addiction in early and middle adolescent groups: the mediating roles of family and school environments.

BACKGROUND: Family and school environment play a crucial role across the different developmental stages of adolescence. This paper investigates the potential mediating role of family and school environments in the relationship between the three psychosocial predictors of depression, anxiety, stress, and Internet addiction (IA). Specifically, it focuses on the two stages of early and middle adolescence. METHODS: The study involved a survey of 407 adolescents from Qatar, comprising 250 early adolescents and 157 middle adolescents. Inclusion criteria for the study included adolescents between the ages of 10 to 17 years old, residents of Qatar and studying in a Qatar-based school. To assess the constructs of the three psychosocial predictors, IA, family environment, the study utilized the Depression, Stress, and Anxiety Scale (DASS), the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (IADQ), and the Brief Family Relationship Scale, respectively. School environment was measured using questions from the "Health Behavior in School-aged Children: WHO Collaborative Cross-National survey/study (HBSC) 2013-2014. The study applied standard mediation analysis between the DASS components and IA with family and school environment as the mediators. RESULTS: Results from the mediation analysis reveal insights into the relationships between psychosocial predictors and IA. The findings indicate that family and school environments partially mediated the relationship with regards to depression, stress, and anxiety in early adolescents. In middle adolescents, family environment partially mediated the relationship with depression and stress and fully mediating the relationship with anxiety. Meanwhile, school environment only exhibited partial mediation in the relationship with anxiety in middle adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the crucial role parents and schools play in addressing problematic technology usage that develops as a response to depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents. Moreover, the study reveals nuances in the mediating role of family and school environment in early and middle adolescence. This highlights the evolving nature of these influences across the different stages of development. Notably, this study contributes to the literature by moving beyond the conventional focus on the so-called WEIRD population, and offering valuable insights from a region that is underrepresented in current research.

A Southern addiction evaluation project: investigating the impact of addiction through a survey HBSC based.

Background: Adolescence is a critical phase of development characterized by numerous physical, psychological and social changes. During this stage, individuals may engage in experimentation and risky behavior, leading to increased vulnerability to addiction. This article aims to present the results of a survey based on the HBSC (Health Behavior in School-aged Children) surveillance model in a province of Southern Italy for primary and secondary school students. Methods: We conducted a prospective study from March 2020 to April 2023 through the administration of a questionnaire to students of the healthcare faculties of the University of Messina and primary and secondary school students, composed of 19 items and based on HBSC surveillance. Results: We collected a total of 664 questionnaires. We found that smoking habits increase with age: approximately 31% of secondary school students declare they are real smokers compared to 40% of HCP students. At least once, in the three study groups, students experienced alcohol consumption at different rates, with younger students having a greater propensity to drink than older students. Fortunately, in our sample, no middle school students had tried cannabis. At the same time there is a surprising decrease in gambling in all categories compared to national data. Conclusions: The presence of addictive behaviors in our sample was found to be widespread despite being in line with the national trend. Furthermore, we have observed a reduction in recent years which needs to be investigated to assess the reasons. Primary prevention is probably the main weapon in the hands of politicians and must be applied early in school and community settings to reduce prevalence.

Association between smartphone addiction and myofascial trigger points.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between smartphone addiction and miyafascial trigger points in university students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of university students was conducted for the purpose of this study. The participants were assessed based on age, gender, dominant side, the amount of time they spent on their smartphones, the purpose of their use, and their posture. The Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form (SAS-SF) was used to determine addictes and non-addicts. The cut-off value of SAS-SF is 31 and above for male and 33 and above for female. RESULTS: There were 136 participants in the study. The posture score for addicts and non-addicts ones was not significantly different (p > 0,05), but the number of trigger points, maximal bending posture and trigger points in the right levator scapula and right cervical erector muscles were significantly higher in the smartphone addict participants (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone addiction in university students is associated with postural changes and trigger points in the bilateral levator scapula and right cervical erector muscles. Public health programs should be developed to raise awareness about smartphone addiction, encourage screen breaks, and emphasize physical activity and exercise regularly.

The influence of physical activity on internet addiction among Chinese college students: the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of gender.

OBJECTIVES: The significance of self-esteem in the relationship between physical activity and Internet addiction among college students cannot be over, as it lays a solid foundation for the prevention and control of Internet addiction. METHODS: A total of 950 college students were surveyed using the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Chinese Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R) through a cluster random sampling method. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, partial correlation analysis, mediation effect, moderation effect, and Bootstrap testing were conducted on the collected data to analyze and interpret the results. RESULTS: (1) Significant gender differences were found in the amount of physical activity and the degree of Internet addiction among college students(P&& lt;0.001); (2) Physical activity was significantly and positively correlated with self-esteem (r = 0.26, P < 0.001), but significantly and negatively correlated with Internet addiction (r=-0.23, P < 0.001); Meanwhile, self-esteem and Internet addiction were significantly and negatively related to self-esteem (r=-0.22, P < 0.001). (3) Mediating effect analyses showed that self-esteem played a partial mediating role in physical activity and Internet addiction among college students, accounting for a portion of 78.95%. (4) A moderating effect of gender on the relationship between physical activity and Internet addiction was discovered. CONCLUSION: The physical activity level of male students is significantly higher than that of female students, while the degree of internet addiction among female students is notably higher than that of male students. Physical activity can not only directly improve the issue of internet addiction among college students, but also indirectly improve it through self-esteem, with gender playing a moderating role in this process. This conclusion has practical reference significance for preventing and controlling internet addiction among college students, and provides evidence support for using physical activity as a reference solution in clinical applications. Additionally, it suggests that gender should be taken into account when preventing and intervening in internet addiction among college students, and different strategies and methods should be adopted for male and female students. Male students should be encouraged to participate more in physical activities, gradually increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of their participation, in order to divert their attention and enhance their sense of achievement in sports, thereby reducing their use of mobile phones. For female students, on the other hand, it is important to strengthen real-life communication, change the form of sports participation, engage in group, collaborative, and different situational sports activities, and enhance their focus and attention in sports, in order to reduce their internet dependency, better guide them to use the internet reasonably, and enable them to achieve emotional release through sports.

Anxiety and depression during post covid-19 lockdown period among medical students, and it's relation with stress and smartphone addiction in India.

OBJECTIVES: Medical profession, a competitive and ever-updating field which requires great commitment, imposes a stressful environment for students. Our study aimed to find the prevalence and factors associated with psychological illness. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was done among medical students in Puducherry. A stratified random sampling strategy was incorporated to achieve a calculated sample size of 384. The presence of anxiety and depression, perceived stress and addiction to the phone were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Smartphone Addiction Scale - short version. Prevalence of anxiety and depression was summarized as a proportion with a 95 % confidence interval (CI). The prevalence ratio (PR) for the factors associated was estimated using log-binomial regression. RESULTS: With the response from 383 students, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was 39.4 % (95 %CI: 34.5-44.3 %) and 26.6 % (22.2-31.1 %). Perceived stress was moderate in 68.2 % and high in 14 % of students. Higher age (aPR=1.49), female gender (aPR=1.22), tobacco or alcohol use (aPR=1.24), smartphone addiction (aPR=2.09) and high stress (aPR=1.93) were the predictors of anxiety among medical students in our study. Use of tobacco or alcohol (aPR=2.07), smartphone addiction (aPR=1.96) and high stress (aPR=1.72) were the predictors of depression. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety was more prevalent than depression among the medical students. Use of tobacco or alcohol, smartphone addiction and stress increase the risk of psychological morbidity. Medical training should have a module on coping mechanisms to overcome psychological illness and have better mental well-being.

Network analysis of social anxiety and problematic mobile phone use in Chinese adolescents: A longitudinal study.

Social anxiety is a common comorbid factor of problematic mobile phone use, but the relationship between them from the inside structure has been underexplored. This two-wave longitudinal study aims to identify the central symptoms of problematic mobile phone use and social anxiety, respectively, as well as the bridge symptoms between the two disorders. Furthermore, this study examined the time and gender differences. A total of 3,294 Chinese adolescents were recruited during two waves (T1: January 2023; T2: August 2023), and completed the questionnaires of social anxiety and problematic mobile phone use. Through network analysis, the results showed that 1) the central symptom of problematic mobile phone use was "loss of control" both at T1 and T2, 2) the central symptom of social anxiety was "fear of negative evaluation" both at T1 and T2, and 3) the bridge symptom between social anxiety and problematic mobile phone use was "withdrawal" both at T1 and T2. Moreover, the network comparison test indicated that the nodes of social anxiety were more strongly associated with "craving", "loss of control", and "negative life consequences" of problematic mobile phone use at T2 than at T1. The nodes of social anxiety were more strongly associated with "negative life consequences" of problematic mobile phone use for boys than for girls, while the "fear of negative evaluation" was more strongly associated with "loss of control" for girls than for boys. These findings provide new scientific basis for interventions targeting adolescents who are susceptible to social anxiety and problematic mobile phone use.

Problematic usage of the internet among Hungarian elementary school children: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Problematic usage of the internet (PUI) is perhaps one of the most frequently studied phenomena of the 21st century receiving increasing attention in both scientific literature and the media. Despite intensive research there have been relatively few meaningful studies among elementary school students in Hungary and worldwide, who may be considered as a high-risk population with regard to problematic internet use. The aim of our study was to carry out a complex research focusing on the prevalence and risk factors of PUI among elementary school children aged 10-15 years (Grade 5-8). METHODS: Demographics included were gender, age, place of stay, type of residence, family type, parental education, start of internet use, used devices, daily internet use, purpose of internet use, internet accounts, ways of keeping in touch with friends and sporting activities. PUI was evaluated using the paper-based version of the Potentially Problematic Use of the Internet Questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 2000 paper-based questionnaires were successfully delivered and the final analysis included 1168 responses (overall response rate 58.4%). Mean age was 12.55 ± 1.24 years. Female gender (OR = 2.760, p = 0,006, CI 95% 0.065 to 0.384), younger age (11-12 years) (OR = 3.812, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.747-4.731), early exposure to the internet (OR = 3.466, p = 0.001, 95% CI 1.535-5.446), living in a small village (OR = 1.081, p = 0.002, 95% CI 1.041-1.186) urgency to answer online (OR = 4.677, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 2.714-6.639), decreased frequency of personal contact with friends (OR = 2.897, p = 0.004, 95% CI: 1.037-1.681), spending more than 6 h online (OR = 12.913, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 10.798-14.892), morning and nighttime internet use (OR = 3.846, p < 0.001, CI 95% 1.886-5.810) and never doing any sports (OR = 2.016, p = 0.044, 95% CI: 1.050-3.354) were independently associated with problematic internet use. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of our questionnaire survey more than 10% seemed to be problematic users in our study population, which is a relatively high rate. Early exposure to the internet as well as younger age were strongly related to this phenomenon. Duration of being online as well as daily time interval of internet use are important predisposing factors. Scarcely studied social factors such as being online at the expense of personal relationships and the lack of physical activity should be payed more attention to prevent the development of PUI.

Internet/Video Gaming: The Relevance of a New Phenomenon in the Youth.

The high level of technological growth in contemporary society, beside benefits, provokes different kinds of damages, especially among the worldwide youth population. World statistics have recognized that video and internet game addiction is a growing problem. In this context, it is supposed that 0.3 to 1.0 percent of the general population might be qualified as a potential sufferer of internet gaming disorder. However, youth between 18-34 years are the highest risk population. New research has shown the need of early identification of at-risk young people for internet addiction. Adverse experience in children of different forms of stress, negative life circumstances and especially negative, hostile parenting can lead to depression, social and cultural problems, together with significant boredom and loneliness levels. These are all confirmed to be related with addictive behaviour. Some neural correlates are discussed as the possible background of game addiction. Finally, therapeutic possibilities are presented.

Internet addiction, new contemporary reality in Benin: exploratory analysis of associated factors among medical and paramedical students in 2022 / L'addiction à internet, une réalité contemporaine au Bénin : analyse exploratoire des facteurs associés chez des étudiants du secteur médical et paramédical en 2022.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, Internet addiction is a major concern due to the growing number of Internet users and the consequences associated with this addiction. PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with Internet addiction among health sciences students at the University of Abomey-Calavi. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 346 students from the Faculty of Health Sciences and the National Institute of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Abomey-Calavi. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Internet addiction was assessed using K. Young's "Internet Addiction Test." Logistic regression modeling was employed to explore factors associated with Internet addiction. The strength of the association was assessed using odds ratios; the confidence interval (CI) was 95%; and a p-value < 0.05 in the final model was considered significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of Internet addiction was 31.8% (95% CI: [23.26% - 41.38%]). Factors associated with Internet addiction were the participant's field of study, poor relationships with friends and family, communication difficulties, depression, and psychoactive substance consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of Internet addiction exists among students in health sciences institutions in Benin. These findings can support the development of prevention and intervention strategies centered on addressing a public health issue that is still insufficiently recognized.

Introduction: De nos jours, l'addiction à Internet est une préoccupation majeure en raison de l'évolution croissante du nombre d'internautes mais aussi de ses conséquences. But de l'étude: Dans cette étude, nous avons déterminé la prévalence et les facteurs associés à l'addiction à Internet chez les étudiants des sciences de la santé de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi. Méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude transversale menée auprès de 346 étudiants de la Faculté des sciences de la santé et de l'Institut national médico-sanitaire de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi. Ces derniers ont été sélectionnés par échantillonnage aléatoire simple. L'addiction à Internet a été mesurée grâce à l'outil « Internet addiction test de Young ¼. Une modélisation par régression logistique a été utilisée pour explorer les facteurs associés à l'addiction à Internet. La force de l'association a été évaluée avec un rapport de cotes et son intervalle de confiance (IC) à 95 % ; une valeur p <0,05 dans le modèle final a été considérée comme significative. Résultats: La prévalence de l'addiction à Internet était de 31,8 % (IC95 % : [23,26 % - 41,38 %]). La filière d'études, les mauvaises relations avec les proches, les difficultés de communication, la dépression et la consommation de substances psychoactives étaient associées à l'addiction à Internet. Conclusions: Il existe des évidences qui montrent l'addiction à Internet des étudiants des institutions universitaires de santé au Benin. Ces évidences peuvent soutenir la mise en place de stratégies de prévention et de prise en charge axées sur la communication autour d'un phénomène encore insuffisamment perçu comme le problème de santé publique qu'il constitue.

Sex differences in prevalence and clinical correlates of internet addiction among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) exhibit sex differences in various aspects, and patients with SCZ have a high prevalence of internet addiction (IA). However, sex differences in IA among patients with SCZ mostly remain unstudied, particularly in Chinese adolescent patients with SCZ. This study investigated sex differences in prevalence, risk factors, and clinical correlates of IA among Chinese adolescent patients with SCZ. METHODS: A total of 706 adolescent patients with SCZ were enrolled in this study using a cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling method. Demographics and clinical data of the patients were collected using a standardized clinical assessment form. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Young's Internet Addiction Test were used to evaluate psychopathological symptoms and IA respectively. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of IA among Chinese adolescent patients with SCZ was 26.30% (95% CI: 23.09-29.60%). In Chinese adolescents with SCZ, there was a sex difference in the comorbidity of IA (males: 33.33% vs. females: 21.69%). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that IA was significantly predicted by good socioeconomic status in male and female patients with SCZ. City of living and PANSS total score were associated with IA in male patients with SCZ. In contrast, hospitalization rate and depression score were associated with IA in female patients with SCZ. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests sex differences in clinical correlates of IA in Chinese adolescent patients with SCZ. An additional longitudinal study is required to confirm the findings of the present study.

The mediating effect of dispositional mindfulness on the association between UPPS-P impulsivity traits and gaming disorder among Asia-Pacific young adults.

BACKGROUND: Little evidence is available to verify the mediating effect of dispositional mindfulness on the association between gaming disorder and various impulsivity traits. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of dispositional mindfulness on the association between the five UPPS-P impulsivity traits and the risk of gaming disorder among young adults. METHODS: It was an inter-regional cross-sectional study using online survey in Australia, Japan, The Philippines and China. Impulsivity measured by the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale-Short version; dispositional mindfulness measured by the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale; and the risk of gaming disorder measured by the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale were collected in the focal regions. Structural equation modeling was performed by SPSS AMOS version 26 to verify the study hypotheses. Bootstrapped 95% confidence interval was reported. Statistical significance was indicated by the p-value below 0.05. RESULTS: Among the 1,134 returned questionnaires, about 40% of them aged 18-20 years and 21-23 years, respectively. 53.8% were male. 40.7% had been playing digital and video games for over 10 years. The prevalence of gaming disorder was 4.32%. The model fitness indices reflected that the constructed model had an acceptable model fit (χ2(118) = 558.994, p < 0.001; χ2/df = 4.737; CFI = 0.924; TLI = 0.890; GFI = 0.948; RMSEA = 0.058; SRMR = 0.0487). Dispositional mindfulness fully mediated the effect of positive urgency and negative urgency on the risk of gaming disorder. The effect of lack of premeditation on the risk of gaming disorder was partially mediated by dispositional mindfulness. However, dispositional mindfulness did not mediate the effect of sensation seeking on the risk of gaming disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The varied associations between dispositional mindfulness and the five impulsivity traits hints that improving some impulsive traits may increase dispositional mindfulness and so lower the risk of gaming disorder. Despite further studies are needed to verify the present findings, it sheds light on the need to apply interventions on gamers based on their impulsivity profile. Interventions targeting at emotion regulation and self-control such as mindfulness-based interventions seem to be effective to help gamers with dominant features of urgency and lack of premeditation only. Other interventions shall be considered for gamers with high sensation seeking tendency to enhance the effectiveness of gaming disorder prevention.

Prevalence and factors associated with digital addiction among students taking university entrance tests: a GIS-based study.

BACKGROUND: The surge in digital media consumption, coupled with the ensuing consequences of digital addiction, has witnessed a rapid increase, particularly after the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some studies exploring specific technological addictions, such as internet or social media addiction, in Bangladesh, there is a noticeable gap in research focusing on digital addiction in a broader context. Thus, this study aims to investigate digital addiction among students taking the university entrance test, examining its prevalence, contributing factors, and geographical distribution using GIS techniques. METHODS: Data from a cross-sectional survey were collected from a total of 2,157 students who were taking the university entrance test at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. A convenience sampling method was applied for data collection using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 25 Version and AMOS 23 Version, whereas ArcGIS 10.8 Version was used for the geographical distribution of digital addiction. RESULTS: The prevalence of digital addiction was 33.1% (mean score: 16.05 ± 5.58). Those students who are attempting the test for a second time were more likely to be addicted (42.7% vs. 39.1%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Besides, the potential factors predicted for digital addiction were student status, satisfaction with previous mock tests, average monthly expenditure during the admission test preparation, and depression. No significant difference was found between digital addiction and districts. However, digital addiction was higher in the districts of Manikganj, Rajbari, Shariatpur, and Chittagong Hill Tract areas, including Rangamati, and Bandarban. CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasizes the pressing need for collaborative efforts involving educational policymakers, institutions, and parents to address the growing digital addiction among university-bound students. The recommendations focus on promoting alternative activities, enhancing digital literacy, and imposing restrictions on digital device use, which are crucial steps toward fostering a healthier digital environment and balanced relationship with technology for students.

Exploring the determinants of internet addiction among Peri-urban adolescents (aged 13-18) in Delhi-NCR, India: an ordered logit model analysis.

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, there has been phenomenal growth in internet usage worldwide, with a substantial proportion of children and adolescents actively engaging with online platforms. While the internet presents numerous opportunities for children and adolescents, the lack of digital literacy and adequate online safety measures exposes them to various cybercrimes, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, identity theft, and sexual predation. Moreover, there is growing concern regarding internet addiction among this population. METHODS: To investigate the determinants of internet addiction among adolescents, we conducted a cross-sectional study in peri-urban Delhi-NCR, India. We used a self-administered questionnaire to gather information on internet usage, and 630 adolescents aged 13-18 participated in the study, also completing an Internet Addiction Test. RESULTS: The findings indicate that 415 adolescents (65.9 %) exhibited no signs of internet addiction, suggesting a healthy relationship with the internet. However, 215 adolescents (33.1 %) displayed symptoms of internet addiction. Among those exhibiting internet addictions, 159 (74.0 %) were classified as mild internet addicts, indicating moderate levels of internet usage. Furthermore, 56 (26.0 %) adolescents were classified as moderate internet addicts, reflecting a higher level of internet addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the significant influence of various factors, including family dynamics, environmental factors, and personal experiences, on internet addiction among adolescents. Based on these findings, we propose implementing measures at different levels to foster responsible internet use among adolescents, thereby substantially reducing internet addiction.

Cracking the code: unveiling the nexus between atopic dermatitis and addictive behavior: a cross-sectional exploration of risk factors.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) stands as a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a global reach. Beyond its cutaneous manifestations, AD is accompanied by comorbidities and psychological issues, significantly compromising the overall quality of life for individuals who suffer from AD. Previous research has evidenced a heightened prevalence of addictive disorders among dermatological patients when compared to the general population. Considering these findings, this study endeavors to examine the prevalence of addictive disorders among AD patients and, furthermore, to discern potential risk factors associated with this comorbidity. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients with AD diagnosed by dermatologists within a large university hospital in Munich, South Germany, between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients received an anonymous paper-based questionnaire comprising standardized and reliable assessment tools concerning disease severity, quality of life, sexual dysfunction, well-being, and anxiety disorder as well as screening tools for various addictive disorders (compulsive internet use, drug abuse, pathological alcohol consumption, and smoking). Data were analyzed descriptively, and a multivariate logistic regression model was conducted. A total of 208 patients participated in the study, comprising 38% males and 62% females with a mean age of 44.8 ± standard deviation:17.9 years. Females showed a higher mean POEM (Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure) score compared to males (female 14.6 ± 7.8; male 12.5 ± 7.7), as well as a higher DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) (female 8.5 ± 6; male 6.5 ± 6.5). Positive addictions were found in 14.9% for daily smoking, 15.4% for critical alcohol consumption, 16.8% for compulsive internet use, and 5.8% for drug abuse. Younger patients were more likely to be affected by one or multiple addictions than older patients. Patients with at least one addiction showed significantly impaired well-being and increased severe anxiety symptoms. Given the notable prevalence of addictive disorders among individuals with AD, it could be useful to implement systematic screening for such conditions as part of patient-centered care, especially focusing on young AD patients or those displaying concurrent indications of depression or anxiety.

Internet addiction and health-related quality of life in adolescents: The mediating role of sleep disturbance.

BACKGROUND: Internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a recognized risk factor associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents. However, the role of sleep disturbance in this association remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of IA with HRQOL in Chinese adolescents and to evaluate the potential mediating role of sleep disturbance. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents attending six randomly selected middle schools in Guangzhou, China. Adolescents self-reported their internet use using the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire. HRQOL and sleep disturbance were assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to assess the association between IA and HRQOL. Baron and Kenny's causal steps method was used to examine the possible mediating role of sleep disturbance. RESULTS: Of the 6473 adolescents included, 23.5% had maladaptive internet use (MIU) and 16.6% had pathological internet use (PIU). Compared to adolescents with adaptive internet use (AIU), those with IA had significantly lower scores across all HRQOL dimensions and summary scales. Mediation analysis revealed that sleep disturbance was a significant mediator. Specifically, sleep disturbance mediated 34.55% of the effects of MIU and 34.06% of the effects of PIU on the HRQOL total scale score , respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IA was associated with poorer HRQOL, indicating the needs of preventing IA in Chinese adolescents. Additionally, our findings underscored the importance of enhancing sleep quality to mitigate the adverse impact of IA on adolescents' well-being.

[Primary prevention of computer game addiction in students of educational institutions]. / Pervichnaya profilaktika komp'yuternoi igrovoi zavisimosti u uchashchikhsya obshcheobrazovatel'nykh uchrezhdenii.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct the primary prevention of computer game addiction (PPCGA) in students of General education institutions (GEI), aimed at preventing the formation of CGA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 488 students in grades 7-10 of GEI aged 12-17 years (14.6±2.4 years), of which 393 adolescents, who made up the main group, received PPCGA and 95 - control, without PPCGA. RESULTS: Preventive measures were carried out without interrupting the educational process; they were carried out by addiction psychiatrists and medical psychologists. PPCGA was aimed at teaching students a healthy lifestyle, the development of their personal resources, the formation of skills to overcome problem situations, a change in the value attitude to computer games and the formation of alternative interests. In the main group, a decrease in the time interval spent by students at the computer was found (p<0.05). There was a decrease in the number of students (p<0.05), experiencing affective disorders when abstaining from the computer, including mild depression and subclinically expressed anxiety/depression, for whom computer games could lead to problems and negative consequences. An increase in the interval of time spent by students at the computer (p<0.05); an increase in the number of students experiencing affective disorders when abstaining from the computer (p<0.05); a trend towards the increase in the frequency of problems and delayed meetings and personal matters related to spending time at the computer; an increase in clearly uncommunicative (p<0.05) were found in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Primary prevention of computer gaming increase the number of students who prefer a healthy lifestyle (physical education and sports, rational nutrition, sex education, family relationships) and reduce the number of people who prefer computer games as a form of leisure.