The Relationship between Internet Use and Health Behaviors among Adolescents

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The study was performed in order to identify the relationship between health behaviors and Internet use among adolescents. METHODS: The study used raw data from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey that was performed in 2012. Data of a total of 74,186 students were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 18. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Internet use and health behaviors were significantly related to gender, depression, suicidal intent, parents' educational level, cohabitation with parents at home, school location, and grade. There was a significant association between Internet use and health behaviors in adolescents. CONCLUSION: Health promotion and education programs need to consider factors found relevant in this study.