ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective Evaluate the prevalence of internet addiction (IA) among adolescents, as well as characterize behaviors that are considered to be a risk in this population regarding the use and addiction of the Internet. Methods In this cross-sectional study conducted in one public and one private school 91 adolescents, aged 12 to 16 years old, responded the Internet Addiction Test - Brazilian version (IAT) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Results The prevalence of internet addiction found was 21%, with no difference between private and public schools. On the group dependent on the Internet, there was a statistically significant correlation with Anxiety/Depression, Withdrawn/Depression, Rule Breaking Behavior and Aggressive Behavior, as well as the syndrome scales Social Problems, Thought Problems and Attention Problems. Conclusion Our study provides evidence of a relationship between internet addiction and behavioral problems among adolescents. As this is a cross-sectional study, we consider that future research is necessary to corroborate our results.
RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência da dependência de internet entre adolescentes, assim como caracterizar comportamentos de risco nessa população em relação ao uso e à dependência de internet. Métodos Estudo transversal analítico realizado em dois colégios, um público e um particular, com 91 adolescentes de idade entre 12 e 16 anos, que responderam aos questionários Internet Addiction Test - versão brasileira (IAT) e Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Resultados Entre a população estudada, a prevalência de dependência de internet encontrada foi de 21%, não havendo diferença entre as escolas pública e particular. No grupo dependente de internet, houve relação estatisticamente significativa com os sintomas Ansiedade/Depressão, Isolamento/Depressão e Comportamento Agressivo e de Quebrar Regras. As escalas Problemas Sociais, Problemas de Pensamento e Problemas de Atenção também se correlacionam à dependência de internet. Conclusão O presente estudo demonstra evidência de correlação entre a dependência de internet e sintomas comportamentais entre adolescentes. Por se tratar de um estudo transversal, contudo, esses dados devem ser vistos com cautela e pesquisas futuras são necessárias para corroborar nossos resultados.
ABSTRACT
We developed a Korean translation of the Internet Addiction Test (KIAT), widely used self-report for internet addiction and tested its reliability and validity in a sample of college students. Two hundred seventy-nine college students at a national university completed the KIAT. Internal consistency and two week test-retest reliability were calculated from the data, and principal component factor analysis was conducted. Participants also completed the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (IADQ), the Korea Internet addiction scale (K-scale), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for the criterion validity. Cronbach's alpha of the whole scale was 0.91, and test-retest reliability was also good (r = 0.73). The IADQ, the K-scale, and depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with the KIAT scores, demonstrating concurrent and convergent validity. The factor analysis extracted four factors (Excessive use, Dependence, Withdrawal, and Avoidance of reality) that accounted for 59% of total variance. The KIAT has outstanding internal consistency and high test-retest reliability. Also, the factor structure and validity data show that the KIAT is comparable to the original version. Thus, the KIAT is a psychometrically sound tool for assessing internet addiction in the Korean-speaking population.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Asian People , Behavior, Addictive/diagnosis , Depression/diagnosis , Program Evaluation , Surveys and Questionnaires , Republic of Korea , Students/psychology , Translating , UniversitiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The Young's internet addiction test (IAT) is used worldwide, and the psychometric properties of IAT have been documented in other countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate and validate the factors and structure of the IAT as applied to Korean college students. METHODS: Data was collected from students (n=2216) at Kongju National University via an online survey system. The factor structures of the IAT were assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: The IAT produced acceptable internal consistency and reliability (Cronbach alpha=0.921). We discovered that the two-factor structure of the IAT produced acceptable psychometric properties. Factor 1 consisted of the aspiration and obsession to achieve orientation in cyberspace, Factor 2 consists of loss of control, withdrawal, and neglect of social interaction and duties. These findings were inconsistent with those of previous studies. There were no significant gender differences observed in internet addiction rates. CONCLUSION: IAT is a reliable scale which identifies two internet addiction factors in Korean college students. This scale could be useful to quantitatively evaluate internet addiction.