Gender, Age and Class in School Differences in Internet Addiction and Psychological Distress among Adolescents in a Nigerian Urban City

Abstract

Background: Reports had revealed that internet addiction is a newly emerging social and mental health issue among the youths and has attracted much attention around the world. Furthermore excessive use of the internet has negatively affected the daily life routines of adolescents. Objective: This study assessed gender differences, internet addiction and psychological distress among adolescents in a Nigerian urban city. Study Design: This is a descriptive cross sectional study design. Place and duration of study: This study was carried out in Enugu, south east Nigeria between February and April 2015. Method: The young Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the General health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and a socio demographic questionnaire were used to access 480 adolescents (240 males and 240 females) in a Nigerian urban city for prevalence of internet addiction and psychological distress. Results: Result revealed that many adolescents showed presence of internet addiction and psychological distress. There was difference in internet addiction and psychological difference among the age groups, gender and class in school. Conclusion: This study has observed the prevalence of internet addiction and psychological distress among adolescents in a Nigerian urban city. It is recommended that there is need for government to make laws regulating the rate of usage of the internet by young people especially adolescents.