Trends in the prevalence of Internet addiction among adolescents from 2004 to 2019 in Shanghai

Abstract

Objective To analyze the trends of Internet addiction among adolescents in Shanghai, so as to provide theoretical evidence for the prevention and control of Internet addiction in adolescents.

Methods A multistage stratified cluster random sampling method was conducted, and 92 171 junior and senior high school students in Shanghai were selected for questionnaire survey in 2004–2019. Evaluation of Internet addiction, loneliness, academic pressure and depression among middle school students.

Results In 2004–2019, the rate of Internet addiction among middle school students in Shanghai was 4.3%, which without significant differences by year ( t = 1.8, P>0.05). The detection rate of Internet addiction in boys (5.3%) was higher than that in girls (3.4%) (χ ²= 186.8, P<0.01), and was highest in secondary vocational school (7.7%), followed by senior high school (4.6%) and junior middle school students (2.8%) (χ ²=746.5, P<0.01). The prevalence of Internet addiction in girls, senior high school students, secondary vocational school students, students aged 16–20, students with loneliness or high academic pressure showed an increasing trend in 2004–2019, with the average annual increase rate ( APC) of 6.62%, 5.45%, 2.13%, 3.36%, 4.09% and 3.60% respectively ( P<0.05).

Conclusion Internet addiction among adolescents in Shanghai showed an increasing trend in some groups from 2004–2019, but without significant differences by year in the overall groups. Comprehensive prevention and control programs are needed for adolescent Internet addiction, especially for those with mental health problems.

Abstract

【摘要】 目的 分析上海市青少年网络成瘾的变化趋势, 为青少年网络成瘾防控提供参考依据。 方法 采用多阶段分层 整群随机抽样方法, 选取2004—2019年上海市92 171名中学生进行问卷调査, 评价中学生网络成瘾、孤独感、学习压力感 和抑郁情绪。 结果 2004—2019年上海市中学生网络成瘾检出率为4.3%, 呈稳定状态( t =1.8, P>0.05)。网络成瘾检出 率男生(5.3%)髙于女生(3.4%) (χ ² = 186.8, P<0.01), 中职校(7.7%)>普通髙中(4.6%)>初中学生(2.8%)(χ ² = 746.5, P<0.01)。女生、普通髙中生、中职校学生、16~20岁学生、有孤独感和有学习压力感的学生网络成瘾率呈增长趋势, 年均百分 比变化率( APC)分别为 6.62%, 5.45%, 2.13%, 3.36%, 4.09%, 3.60%( P 值均<0.05)。 结论 2004—2019 年上海市青少年网 络成瘾检出率总体呈稳定状态, 部分群体中呈增长趋势。应重点关注有心理问题的青少年, 但仍需综合有效的防控方案对 青少年网络成瘾进行干预。