Prevalence and associated factors of problematic internet use among in-school adolescents in Calabar municipality,...

Given the advent of the internet and its growing resources as well as the availability of smart mobile phones among the younger generation, Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has become a globally identified contemporary issue of public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, self-reported effects, and associated factors of problematic internet use among in-school adolescents in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria.

A descriptive cross-sectional study design and a multistage sampling technique were used to select 422 respondents systematically. The 18-item Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS) was adopted as instrument. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis (chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models) were applied to measure associations and effects."

The findings in this study revealed a 62.6% prevalence of PIU. Chi-square tests showed significant associations between PIU and female gender, caregiver's low education, living with siblings, parental unawareness, loneliness, idleness, isolation, low self-esteem, poor physical relationships (p ≤ 0.027). Multivariate analysis found lower odds of PIU among adolescents aged 15-19 (aOR = 0.236, p < 0.001), females (aOR = 0.557, p = 0.009), and those with primary-educated caregivers (aOR = 0.273, p = 0.008).

A multi-disciplinary approach is essential to regulate adolescent internet use in Nigeria, requiring coordinated efforts across individual, community, institutional, and policy levels, alongside promoting digital literacy and responsible online behaviour.