Prevention Program of Internet Addiction among Preparatory School Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University.

2 Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Helwan University

Abstract

Internet addiction is a broad concept. Despite inconclusive or inconsistent definition of this
disorder, usage of the internet is growing rapidly each year, especially among adolescents,
making it imperative to look into factors that can be correlated to its. Aim: The aim of the study
was to evaluate the effect of the prevention program of internet addiction among preparatory
school students. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Setting: The study was
conducted in two preparatory schools were chosen randomly and representing the urban area (Al
Abbasia district, Cairo Governorate). Sample: A multi-stage random sample technique equal 110
students was randomly selected in this study. Tools: Three tools were utilized in this study in
Tool I: A structural interviewing questionnaire was used for assessing socio-demographic
characteristics of the students', their knowledge related to the internet use, physically and
mentally health problems& student school performance, tool II: internet addictive behavior
scale, for assessing students physical effect, social effect, cultural and economic effect, and
psychological effect and tool III: Observational checklist were used to assess students practice
toward ergonomic exercises. Results: More than half of the students were male ,there were
highly statistically significant differences pre and post implementation of the prevention program
regarding students' knowledge concepts, aim of computer used, uses , risk factor, important of
balanced diet, important of ergonomic exercises, physical and mental health problems & highly
statistically significant correlations were found between internet addiction and depression, anxiety
and stress levels of students among preparatory school students . The highest total mean score
was related to the psychosocial changes of prolonged internet use Conclusion: The study
concluded that improving student knowledge and practices regarding internet addiction after
implementation the prevention program This study showed highly statistically significant
correlations between internet addiction and depression, anxiety and stress levels of students at p >
0.01 regarding physical, social, cultural and economical & Psychological effects of prolonged
internet usage .Recommendations: Continuous prevention program about internet addiction
among preparatory school student, Also booklet and a pamphlet containing knowledge and
practices regarding complication of internet addiction, researches are needed to detect the other
problems to early management

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