Internet Addiction and Related Psychological Factors Among Children and Adolescents in China During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Epidemic

Abstract

Background The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease presenting a major threat to public health. This study aims to assess Internet use characteristics and objectively examine the potential psychological factors associated with Internet addiction (IA) during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods A cross-sectional, anonymized, self-reported survey was conducted among Chinese children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years old. Participants completed questionnaires containing Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and questions regarding demographic information and Internet use characteristics. Results A total of 2050 participants (mean age:12.34 ± 4.67 years old, female: 48.44%) were enrolled. Fifty-five (2.68%) participants met the criterion for addictive Internet use (IAT≥70), while 684 (33.37%) participants were classified as problematic Internet users (69≥IAT≥40). Internet usage had grown during the COVID-19 epidemic, including the frequency and duration of recreational Internet use, and the frequency of stay-up Internet use. A linear regression analysis showed female gender (β=-0.091, p<0.001), age (β=0.066, p=0.001), depression (β=0.257, p<0.001), and stress (β=0.323, p<0.001) were significantly correlated with the IAT total scores (R=0.539, R 2 = 0.291, p<0.001). Conclusions We observed excessive Internet use among Chinese children and adolescents during the outbreak of COVID-19. Age, gender, depression, and stress were the potential key factors affecting IA. Extended family and professional support should be considered for vulnerable individuals during these unprecedented times.

<p>Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 on Quarantine Hotel Employees in China</p>

“…Although studies have suggested that experiencing a severe infectious disease epidemic increases the prevalence of mental health issues, [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] it is difficult to find relevant literature or empirical studies that explore quarantine hotel employees faced with the challenge of psychological resilience. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the mental health status and psychological impact on quarantine hotel employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Each subscale contains seven items, and is scored using a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (did not apply to me at all) to 3 (much or mostly applied to me). The depression subscale consists of questions 3, 5, 10, 13, 16, 17 and 21, and the score ranges are as follows: normal/no depression (0-9), mild depression (10-13), moderate depression (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20), severe depression (21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27), and extremely severe depression (28 and above). The anxiety subscale consists of questions 2, 4, 7, 9, 15, 19, and 20, and the score ranges are as follows: normal/no anxiety (0-7), mild anxiety (8)(9), moderate anxiety (10)(11)(12)(13)(14), severe anxiety (15)(16)(17)(18)(19), and extremely severe anxiety (20 and above).…”

“…The depression subscale consists of questions 3, 5, 10, 13, 16, 17 and 21, and the score ranges are as follows: normal/no depression (0-9), mild depression (10-13), moderate depression (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20), severe depression (21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27), and extremely severe depression (28 and above). The anxiety subscale consists of questions 2, 4, 7, 9, 15, 19, and 20, and the score ranges are as follows: normal/no anxiety (0-7), mild anxiety (8)(9), moderate anxiety (10)(11)(12)(13)(14), severe anxiety (15)(16)(17)(18)(19), and extremely severe anxiety (20 and above). The stress subscale consists of questions 1, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14 and 18, and the score ranges are as follows: normal/no stress (0-14), mild stress (15)(16)(17)(18), moderate stress (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25), severe stress (26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33),...…”

Worry and Permissive Parenting in Association with the Development of Internet Addiction in Children

“…Moreover, parents' and teachers' frequent, open, and positive communication patterns with children can prevent children from engaging in addictive behaviors [79]. As the recent COVID-19 pandemic has made children more dependent on the Internet in their daily lives, parents and teachers are suggested to involve children in more offline activities such as physical exercise to decrease their Internet use [4].…”

“…These statistics imply that Internet use has become essential specifically among the adolescent population. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the preventive measures (e.g., suspensions of face-to-face classes, lockdown of shops and restaurants) has led to increased use of the Internet in the daily lives of children [4]. Therefore, Internet addiction has become an increasingly important public health issue worldwide.…”