[Association of Physical Activity, Mental Health and Contextual Factors with Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents...

Physical activity (PA) may be key to reducing problematic Internet use (PIU) among adolescents. Given that Internet usage patterns and PA participation can vary significantly across genders and different age groups, this study aims to analyze the association between PIU and PA, mental health and other contextual factors, in students aged thirteen to nineteen in Barcelona, by sex and age.

A cross-sectional study using data from the 2021 FRESC Survey was carried out, which included 3,256 students in the city of Barcelona. The dependent variable was PIU, measured with the validated CIUS scale. Poisson regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRa) with 95% confidence intervals (IC95%).

In the group over sixteen years old, lower PIU was associated with regular PA in girls (PRa=0.62, IC95%=0.39-0.97) and in boys (PRa=0.51, IC95%=0.35-0.74). Lower PIU in girls under sixteen was associated with higher frequency of sports activities (PRa=0.53, IC95%=0.31-0.88). Poor mental health was associated with higher PIU across all groups (boys under sixteen, PRa=3.31, IC95%=2.42-4.51).

PA is associated with lower PIU in all groups except boys under sixteen years old. Other factors associated with higher PIU includes poor mental health and poor family relationships. PA promotion programs with a gender perspective could be key to addressing PIU in adolescents.