Assessment of Internet Addiction among Adolescents in Mansoura City

Abstract

Introduction: Internet addiction is an increasing problem among adolescents worldwide. The Internet provides educational advantages, but internet over use can lead to negative outcomes such as social isolation and poor academic achievement. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of “Internet Addiction (IA)” among adolescents in Mansoura city, Egypt. A cross-sectional study design was used to accomplish this study. Multi stages stratified cluster-sampling technique was done of 2340 students located at Mansoura city. Data for this study was collected by using Fahmy and El-Sherbini Socio Economic Scale and Internet Addiction Scale. Results : The study results revealed that. 44.7% of the adolescents had moderate internet addiction, 12% had severe internet addictions and 43.3% of the adolescents were average Internet users. Most adolescents (96.9%) preferred home to access the internet. Social media was the main purpose of using the internet as reported by 81.5% of the adolescents. Most of them (89%) utilized mobile phones for internet access. Conclusion : Moderate and sever IA was prevalent among more than half of studied adolescents. Most adolescents used internet for entertainment purposes. Finally, it is recommended conduct health education program about safe internet usage and the importance of sports and social activities.