Pathologies associated with Problematic Internet Use. A systematic review and meta-analysis in WoS and Scopus

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has begun to be linked to the predisposition to suffer certain pathologies that affect human health. It is proposed in this paper to determine the pathologies associated to PIU, with a systematic review in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, and to analyse the incidence of PIU in each of these pathologies through the meta-analysis. Therefore, a systematic methodology review has been used with meta-analysis, and a final sample of 62 documents was established. Among the results, stand out the following as main pathologies associated to PIU: obsessive-compulsive disorder; alcohol abuse; depression; stress; sleep disorder; attention deficit; hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders. Additionally, in most pathologies, statistical significance is established between control groups and groups with PIU. Finally, a general overview of the risks associated with Internet abuse is presented, and their impact on both physical and mental health.