Association Between Problematic Internet Use, Digital Game Addiction, and Digital Eye Strain Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Clinical Study.

Aykutlu, Hasan Cem; Aykutlu, Merve Şambel

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) among adolescents in a child psychiatry clinic and examine its association with problematic Internet use and digital game addiction (DGA). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 244 adolescents aged 11-18 years attending a child psychiatry outpatient clinic. Participants completed the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire, Problematic Internet Use Scale-Adolescent (PIUS-A), and Digital Gaming Addiction Scale (DGAS-7). A digital habits questionnaire was also administered. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for DES. Results: The prevalence of DES was 53.3% among the study sample. Digital eye strain showed a moderate positive correlation with PIUS-A scores (r=0.426, P < .001) and a weak but significant positive correlation with DGAS-7 scores (r=0.168, P < .009). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher PIUS-A scores (OR=1.045, 95% CI 1.032-1.069), DGA (OR=2.364, 95% CI 1.071-5.236), increased digital device use after the pandemic (OR=2.932, 95% CI 1.589-5.411), and not taking breaks (OR=2.151, 95% CI 1.033-4.478) were significant risk factors for DES. Conclusion: Digital eye strain is highly prevalent among adolescents in child psychiatry clinics and is significantly associated with problematic Internet use and DGA. These findings highlight the need for psychoeducation and interventions to promote healthier digital habits and increase awareness of ocular health implications in this population.

INTERNET addiction; EYESTRAIN; LOGISTIC regression analysis; COMPUTER vision; ADOLESCENT psychiatry; PSYCHOEDUCATION

Neuropsychiatric Investigation, 2024, Vol 62, Issue 4, p122

2792-0070

Academic Journal

10.5152/NeuropsychiatricInvest.2024.24044