Internet Addiction in Adolescents: Prevalence and Implications in Southeast Nigeria during COVID-19

What is it about?

This study analyzed the prevalence and associated factors of internet addiction among adolescents in Southeast Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 secondary schools across the region. The prevalence of internet addiction was found to be 88.1%, with a majority of adolescents (61.1%) using the internet for academic purposes, 32.8% for social interactions, and 51.5% using their phones. The study found that internet addiction was significantly associated with factors such as age, mother's education, family size, place of residence, alcohol intake, smoking, and substance use. The study highlights the high prevalence of internet addiction among adolescents during the pandemic and the importance of monitoring internet use to detect early addiction, particularly among male adolescents, those in mid-/late adolescence, and those using the internet for more than six months.

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Why is it important?

The study is important because it sheds light on the high prevalence of internet addiction among secondary school students in southeast Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the associated factors and predictors of internet addiction can help in early detection and appropriate care for adolescents. Key Takeaways: 1. The prevalence of internet addiction among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic era was high, with 88.1% of respondents showing some level of addiction. 2. Internet addiction was significantly associated with factors such as age, mother's education, family structure, place of residence, alcohol and substance use, and duration of internet use. 3. The study found that male gender, mid- and late adolescent age groups, and longer duration of internet use were predictors of internet addiction.