Prevalence and Pattern of Internet Addiction Among Adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objective Despite the potential benefits the Internet offers, it is prone to excessive and uncontrolled use, thus resulting in a condition called Internet addiction (IA). This study aimed to describe the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) among in-school adolescents in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. Materials and methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 632 adolescents using a two-stage sampling technique. IA was assessed using the 20-question Internet addiction test (IAT). Responses to each question ranged from “0” (i.e., “never”) to “5” (i.e., “always”). Cumulative IAT scores > 50% suggested the presence of IA. Chi-square tests were conducted to determine the association between adolescents’ characteristics and IA. Statistically significant variables were pooled into the binary logistic regression model. P-values < 0.05 were statistically significant. Results The mean age of the adolescents was 16.03 ± 1.26 years, and 347 (54.9%) were males. A total of 284 (44.9%) adolescents had IA: 174 (42%) accessed the Internet in both home and school settings (ᵡ(2) = 4.103, p = 0.043), and 174 (42%) accessed the Internet at home only (ᵡ(2) = 5.003, p = 0.025). Adolescents who accessed the Internet from both home and school settings had higher odds of developing IA (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.408, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.986-2.012, p = 0.060), as well as those who accessed the Internet from home settings only (AOR = 1.404, 95%CI = 1.010-1.953, p = 0.043). Adolescents who gained four to six hours of Internet connection weekly had two times odds of developing IA (AOR = 1.404, 95%CI = 1.010-1.953, p = 0.043), and those who gained more than six hours of Internet connection had more than three times odds of developing IA (AOR = 3.424, 95%CI = 1.937-6.053, p = 0.043). Conclusion To prevent IA, adolescents should develop self-control skills and self-regulation of Internet use. Likewise, Internet access should be restricted from both home and school settings, and adolescents’ Internet access should be monitored and regulated from both home and school settings.