Internet addiction and interpersonal communication skills among high school students in Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Background: Adolescents' addiction to internet is a serious problem worldwide, especially in the developing countries. Objectives: The current study aimed at estimating the prevalence of internet addiction (IA) and its relationship with interpersonal communication skills (ICS) and socio-educational factors among high school students in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran. Methods: In the current cross sectional study, a total of 2416 students were selected as a study sample size in 2010. The data were collected using a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire. The direct standardization method was employed to calculate IA prevalence. Results: The prevalence of IA was 52.1% in males and 37.0% in females. The standardized prevalence of IA among the study sample was 45.8%. The results of logistic regression analysis suggested the association of the gender (odd ratios = 1.91) and ICS scores (OR = 0.97) with IA. Conclusions: The prevalence of IA among adolescents in the Northwest of Iran was high. Males were at higher risk of IA than their female counterparts. Improvements of ICS may prevent IA in adolescents.