Factors Influencing Internet Addiction in College Students

Korean J Health Promot > Volume 11(4); 2011 > Article

Korean Journal of Health Promotion 2011;11(4):206-216.

대학생의 인터넷 중독 실태 및 영향요인

김선미1,2, 이윤희1, 이고운1, 이상원1,3, 조자현1, 심소령1, 손현석1

¹서울대학교 보건대학원 보건학과, ²강원대학교 의학전문대학원 강원대학교병원 가정의학과, ³인천 사랑병원 가정의학과

Factors Influencing Internet Addiction in College Students

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to explore the factors related to internet addiction in college students in Korea. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey of college students in Seoul, and data was collected through self-report questionnaires. Data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis rank test, and ordinary logistic regression analysis. Results: In the ordinary logistic regression analysis, the factors related to a higher risk of internet addiction were lower frequency of exercise (P=0.017), lower level of self-control (P<0.001), higher level of stress (P<0.001), living with parents (P=0.011), using the internet for extended periods of time (P<0.001), and using the internet in their own rooms (P<0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that exercise, self-control, stress, living with parents, and duration and place of internet use are associated with internet addiction in college students. This information can be used to design methods for preventing internet addiction. More specific studies on internet addiction in college students are needed. Keywords: Internet, Addictive behavior, Computers