Technology addiction among school-going adolescents in India: epidemiological analysis from a cluster survey for strengthening adolescent health programs at district level

Abstract

Background: There is limited evidence on technology addiction among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries where 90% of global adolescents live. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of technology addiction (Internet, gaming, smartphone, television) among school-going adolescents in India.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey covering the entire district (administrative unit for health) of India was conducted among representative sample of school-going adolescents using stratified cluster sampling. A total of 1729 adolescents completed the survey (age M = 12.58; SD = 0.97) by responding to Internet Addiction Test-Adolescents, Game Addiction Scale, Smartphone Addiction Scale and Television Addiction Scale. Associated factors were analyzed using binomial logistic regression analysis.

Results: Almost all the participants (99.59%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 99.28-99.91%) were using technology in one or other form. Prevalence of technology addiction among the users was 10.69% (95% CI: 5.26-16.11%). Phone addiction (8.91%; 95% CI: 3.31-14.52%) was the most common type followed by gaming addiction (2.55%; 95% CI: 1.16-3.95%). Technology addiction among adolescents was significantly associated with several risk factors at individual, family and school levels.

Conclusion: Technology addiction emerges as an important public health problem among adolescents in India. An integrated socio-ecological framework with multi-level approach that targets risk factors at various levels is required to promote healthy behaviors towards technology.

Keywords: Internet addiction; addictive behaviors; adolescents; gaming addiction; smartphone addiction; technology addiction; television addiction.