Volume 31 Number 2 (2022)

A Study on Psychosomatic Problems Related to the Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents at Selected Schools of Aspur Block, Dungarpur, Rajasthan

Chundawat DS1 , Yadav KC2 , Mudgal SK3 , Yadav Y4 , Gaur R5 , Malhotra V6

Mymensingh Med J 2022 April; 31 (2): 539-546

PMID: 35383777

Abstract

Adolescents’ scholastic and social life has become increasingly reliant on the internet and mobile technology in recent years. Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a growing problem in Indian adolescents. However, in many cases, this use has become obsessive, causing them to neglect other elements of their lives. Adolescents account for over 35% of internet users in India. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychosomatic problems related to internet overuse among school going adolescent students. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 348 students in selected schools of Aspur block in Dungarpur-district, Rajasthan, India in the month of February 2016. Problematic internet use (PIU) was assessed by Young’s twenty question internet addiction test. The Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-42) and self structured questionnaire check list was used to measure psychosomatic problems among adolescents. Approximately 5.17% adolescents showed Problematic internet use (PIU). Adolescents with PIU were associated with age between 14-16 year, males,10th class of study, using internet since more than 3 years, being at home, mobile as a source of internet use, purpose of internet use with online gaming. Compared with normal internet users, there were significant correlation between Problematic Internet Use and Somatic Complaints r=0.3660, p<0.05, Depression r=0.3982, p<0.05. Anxiety r=0.2512, p<0.05 and Stress r=0.2886, p<0.05. Problematic internet use (PIU) is an increasing problem among teenagers and it has been linked to psychosomatic issues. Timely Effective measures are needed to prevent the spread of this problem.

Keywords: Psychosomatic problems, Problematic internet use, Adolescent, School students


  1. Senior Nursing Officer

    All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

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Volume 31, Number 2 (2022)
Page: 539-546