Internet Addiction among Secondary School Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study

INTRODUCTION: Excessive use of internet can lead to “Internet Addiction”. A sharp rise in the number of internet users among adolescents in Bhutan have been observed lately which could have potential side-effects on their health. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of internet addiction and psychological co-morbidities among the secondary school-going adolescents. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional quan-qual sequential mixed method design with a quantitative component and qualitative component. The study was conducted between 1(st) May and 30(st) November 2017 conducted in twelve schools across Bhutan after taking ethical clearance was from Research Ethics Board of Health of Bhutan. Data were double-entered in EpiData Entry, validated and imported into STATA version 12.0 for analysis. Point estimate at 95% CI was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: Among 721 adolescents from twelve selected schools, prevalence of internet addiction was 248 (34.440%) at, 95% Confidence Interval (31-38%). Out of A total of 586 (81%) preferred smartphone for internet use with 388 (54%) actually using it. Depression and anxietywere the associated psychological co-morbidities seen along with internet addiction. Internet addiction was high among those using internet at home, using smartphone for internet access, social networking and night time internet use were associated with internet addiction. Boredom, stress/anxiety and peer pressure were triggers of internet use. Internet addiction also affected academic performance, social interactions and sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of internet addiction among adolescents in Bhutan is high comparing to previous standard data which requires immediate attention.