The Effect of High Internet Use on Health of Adolescents

Abstract

dolescents are a vulnerable group; they may be prone to high pattern of internet use and its negative effects on their health. So controlling the pattern of internet usage is very important. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of high internet use on health of adolescents. Study design: A descriptive design used to conduct this study. Subject: Multistage sample composed of 800 adolescent students. Setting: This study was carried out at five schools (El kobba, Saraya El kobba, Ensaf serry, Talaee Gaber Elansary, Amon secondary schools), at Elzayton administrator. Tools: It composed of two-tools.Thefirst tool wasself-administrated questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics, pattern of internet use, social and psychological health condition of adolescents using internet. The second tool was physical assessment sheet to assess physical health status of them. Results: The result of this study showed that 33.5% of adolescents in this study were aged 16 years old, 69% were males. It was reported that, 10.5% of adolescents spent more than eight hours online and 79% of them use internet through mobiles or tablets, 28% of adolescent's body weight increased, 46.5% of adolescent sleeping pattern affected because of using the internet, and 53% of them suffered from neck and backache after browsing the internet. Conclusion: There were statistically significant differences between the pattern of internet use and adolescent’s physical, psychological, and health status, while there was high statistically significant relation between the total pattern of internet use and social health status, and scholastic achievement of adolescent. Recommendation: The study recommended that, continuous assessment for adolescents at school and at home, conducting educational programs for students and parents, design an educational program in the media about proper use of the internet.