Prevalence and associated factor of Internet addiction among population-based sample of secondary school students in rural community, Thailand

Introduction Over the past 10 years, technology has greatly progressed and Internet has become more accessible and an indispensable aspect of our lives. The number of internet users has dramatically risen over the last decade. Although it provides convenience, it can also cause negative outcomes. Internet addiction (IA), psychiatric disorders caused by internet abuse, have become much more common throughout the world. However, the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) among adolescents has not been reported using a large sample in rural community of Thailand. To clarify the actual status of addictive Internet use among, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and the factors associated with Internet addiction (IA) among secondary school students in rural community of Thailand. Methods Cross-sectional study was performed during December 2017 to January 2018 among 12 secondary schools in Chachoengsao province, Thailand. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire on their activities and factors related to Internet use. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for internet addiction. Results A total of 4986 undergraduate students were enrolled into the study. Of those 1559 (33.2%) had internet addiction. Addicted Internet users were younger, more likely to be males and failed the exam compared to non-addicted Internet users. Internet addiction was significantly associated with failed exam (OR = 1.25), online sex seeking (OR = 1.74), school bullying perpetrator (OR = 1.49), alcohol used (OR = 1.49), recreational drug used (OR = 1.87), depression (OR = 1.68), anxiety (OR = 1.66), stress (OR = 1.80), and type of school (private/public school) (OR = 1.75) after controlling for gender, school victimization, family restriction internet use, cyber victimization, and cyber perpetrator. Conclusion Internet addiction is a new public health concern of young adults. We found the high prevalence of internet addiction among secondary school students in rural community of Thailand. It is found to associate with various risky behaviors and psychological symptoms. Results from this study can be used to help educational agencies and mental health organizations create policies and design programs that will help in the prevention of internet addiction in adolescents. Strategies should address this phenomenon with attention to specific needs of gender while managing psychological disturbances.