HIGH RISK OF INTERNET ADDICTION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LIFETIME SUBSTANCE USE, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS AMONG 10th GRADE ADOLESCENTS

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of higher risk of Internet addiction (HRIA) with lifetime substance use, psychological and behavioral factors among Turkish 10th grade students. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional online self-report survey conducted in 45 schools from the 15 districts in Istanbul, Turkey. A representative sample of 4957 10th grade students was studied between October 2012 and December 2012. Other than sociodemographic variables the survey included the Addiction Profile Index Internet Addiction Form-Screening Version (BAPINTSV) and the Psychological Screening Test for Adolescents (PSTA). Results: The participants were classified into two groups as those with HRIA (15.96%) and those with lower risk of Internet addiction. The rate of HRIA was higher in the males. The findings indicated that HRIA is related with negative consequences in school, lifetime use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drug, suicidal thoughts, self-harming and delinquent behaviors. Conclusions: Male gender, lifetime use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drug, depression, attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms and lack of assertiveness predicted the HRIA in Turkish 10th grade students. Being aware of those with HRIA is important in prevention and management of Internet addiction as well as other important problems among students, such as substance use

Gender differences according to psychological and behavioral variables among 10th grade students in Istanbul

Objective: Aim of this study was to determine the gender differences according to psychological and behavioral variables among 10th grade students in Istanbul/Turkey. Methods: Cross-sectional online self-report survey conducted in 45 schools from the 15 districts in Istanbul. The questionnaire included sections about demographic data and school life. Also depression, anxiety, anger, sensation seeking, assertivity and impulsivity subscales of Psychological Screening Test for Adolescents (PSTA) were used. The analyses were conducted based on the 4957 subjects. Results: Rate of males was 52.7% (n=2614). Mean age, sensation seeking and impulsivity scores were higher in males, whereas depression, anxiety, anger and lack of assertivity scores were higher in females. Rates of poor school success, disciplinary punishment, absenteeism, truancy before age of 13, physical harm from a friend, physical fight in last year, to bear arms and problem with the law were higher in males, whereas having suicidal ideation or attempt were higher in females. In logistic regression model, school related problems (poor school success, absenteeism and truancy before age of 13), delinquent behavior (physical fight in last year, to bear arms and physical harm from a friend), sensation seeking, and lower depression, anxiety, anger, impulsivity, lack of assertivity, and suicidal ideation differentiated males from females. Discussion: The findings suggest that females have higher psychological problems such as anger, depression and anxiety, which may also be related with suicidal thoughts, whereas males have higher school related and behavioral problems

Psychological Symptoms Related with Violence and Its Relationship with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among 10th Grade Students in Istanbul

Psychological symptoms related with violence and its relationship with internalizing and externalizing problems among 10th grade students in Istanbu