Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Anxiety, and Factors Associated with the High Level of Anxiety Among Adolescents in Hanoi, Vietnam During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

Journal BMC Public Health

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Public Health

Date 2023 Dec 6

PMID 38057764

Authors

Tran Minh Dien

Pham Thi Lan Chi

Pham Quang Duy

Le Ha Anh

Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan

Vu Thi Hoang Lan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting isolation measures created an increase in the usage of smart devices and internet among adolescents. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of internet addiction, the prevalence of high level of anxiety as well as to examine factors associated with the high level of anxiety among adolescents in Hanoi, Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: Data was collected using respondent-driven sampling and Google online survey forms from a sample of 5,325 school students aged 11-17 in Hanoi between October and December 2021. A short scale consisting of 5 items was used to measure internet addiction and the GAD-7 was used to measure adolescent anxiety level.

Results: The findings revealed that 22.8% and 7.32% of adolescents experienced moderate and severe anxiety. About 32.7% of the study sample exhibited at least three internet addiction indicators. Logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors for high levels of adolescent anxiety. Being female, family experiencing economic difficulties, and exposure to domestic violence were associated with higher risk of anxiety disorder (OR 1.78, 1.45, and 2.89, respectively). Both average daily online time and internet addiction demonstrated gradient association with high level of anxiety.

Conclusion: The prevalence of internet addiction and high level of anxiety were high among adolescents in Hanoi, Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the importance of implementing measures at the family and school levels to promote a balanced and healthy approach to smart device use among adolescents.

Citing Articles

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