Technology addiction among school-going adolescents in India: epidemiological analysis from a cluster survey for strengthening adolescent health programs at district level

There is limited evidence on technology addiction among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries where 90% of global adolescents live. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of technology addiction (Internet, gaming, smartphone, television) among school-going adolescents in India.

A cross-sectional survey covering the entire district (administrative unit for health) of India was conducted among representative sample of school-going adolescents using stratified cluster sampling. A total of 1729 adolescents completed the survey (age M = 12.58; SD = 0.97) by responding to Internet Addiction Test-Adolescents, Game Addiction Scale, Smartphone Addiction Scale and Television Addiction Scale. Associated factors were analyzed using binomial logistic regression analysis.

Almost all the participants (99.59%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 99.28-99.91%) were using technology in one or other form. Prevalence of technology addiction among the users was 10.69% (95% CI: 5.26-16.11%). Phone addiction (8.91%; 95% CI: 3.31-14.52%) was the most common type followed by gaming addiction (2.55%; 95% CI: 1.16-3.95%). Technology addiction among adolescents was significantly associated with several risk factors at individual, family and school levels.

Technology addiction emerges as an important public health problem among adolescents in India. An integrated socio-ecological framework with multi-level approach that targets risk factors at various levels is required to promote healthy behaviors towards technology.