Prevalence and risk factors for problematic Internet use among rural adolescents in Korea

The number of Internet users is increasing dramatically due to high-speed Internet connections and the use of cellular Internet service among rural adolescents in Korea. This study examined the prevalence of problematic Internet use (PIU) and factors associated with PIU among rural adolescents in Korea.

In total, 1168 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from a rural area in Korea participated in this cross-sectional school survey. Problematic Internet use was categorized with Young's Internet Addiction Test using a validated cutoff. In addition, adolescents completed a self-report questionnaire, including questions on sociodemographic factors, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the State Anxiety Inventory for Children. Parents completed the Korean version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-P).

Problematic Internet use was identified in 252 of 1168 (21.6%) students. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that male gender, academic stress, early exposure to the Internet, depression, and total difficulties on the SDQ-P were significantly associated with PIU.

The findings indicate a need to develop preventive interventions for PIU among rural adolescents in Korea.