Association between alcohol consumption and Internet addiction in teenagers: A cross-sectional study in China

Research has shown a definite correlation between adolescent alcohol consumption and internet addiction(IA). However, research on internet addiction and alcohol consumption among Chinese adolescents remains limited. This study aims to investigate the association between internet addiction and alcohol consumption among Chinese adolescents.

A self-administered survey was conducted among students from junior high, senior high and vocational high schools in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, China. The survey assessed demographics, internet addiction, alcohol use, anxiety, depression, and family functioning. Correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine the relationship between internet addiction and alcohol consumption.

A total of 3120 adolescents (54.97% male, 45.03% female) were included. The prevalence of alcohol use in the past year was 20.58%, and 13.72% of adolescents were classified as having internet addiction. Correlation analysis showed that internet addiction was associated with alcohol consumption, intoxication, anxiety, depression, and family function. After adjusting for covariates, multiple regression analysis revealed that, compared with non-drinkers, adolescents who had consumed alcohol more than 30 days ago (OR = 1.34, 95% CI:1.01-1.79) and those who had consumed alcohol within the past 30 days (OR = 1.57, 95% CI:1.03-2.37) had significantly higher odds of internet addiction. Similarly, drinkers without intoxication (OR = 1.31, 95% CI:1.01-1.70) and drinkers with intoxication (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.40-5.12) showed significantly higher odds of internet addiction compared to non-drinkers.

This study demonstrates a significant association between internet addiction and alcohol consumption among Chinese adolescents. These findings highlight the need to consider this relationship when developing prevention strategies for adolescent internet addiction and alcohol use.