INTERNET ADDICTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN A WESTERN BRAZILIAN AMAZONIAN CITY

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyze the prevalence and factors associated with internet addiction in a sample of high school adolescents in Acre, a state in northern Brazil. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,387 adolescents between 14 and 18 years old enrolled in high schools in the city of Rio Branco, Acre. A structured questionnaire with questions about demographics, family and behavioral patterns was applied. Internet addiction was verified using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), with a cutoff equal to or greater than 70 points. The associated factors were identified by multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: The overall prevalence of Internet addiction was 10.6%. Higher dependence was observed in females. The factors associated with Internet addiction were being female, using the computer for more than two hours a day during weekdays and on the weekend, not practicing physical activities and going out to dance at nightclubs and concerts at least once a month. A protective association of reading habits in relation to Internet dependence was observed. Conclusions: The present study showed a high prevalence of Internet dependence, with female adolescents being more susceptible. Behavioral aspects were associated with internet dependence in a sample of adolescents from Rio Branco, Acre.

摘要
## 研究目的
分析巴西北部阿克里州高中青少年群体的网络成瘾患病率及其相关影响因素。
## 研究方法
本研究采用基于人群的横断面研究设计，纳入阿克里州里约布兰科市高中注册的1387名14至18岁青少年作为研究对象。使用包含人口学特征、家庭及行为模式相关问题的结构化问卷开展调查。采用网络成瘾量表（Internet Addiction Test, IAT）评估网络成瘾状况，以得分≥70分作为判定临界值。通过多因素logistic回归分析识别相关影响因素。
## 研究结果
本研究中网络成瘾总患病率为10.6%。女性青少年的网络依赖程度更高。与网络成瘾相关的因素包括女性性别、工作日及周末每日使用电脑时长超过2小时、未规律进行体育锻炼，以及每月至少前往夜店或音乐会参与跳舞活动一次。研究同时发现，阅读习惯对网络依赖具有保护性关联。
## 研究结论
本研究结果显示，阿克里州里约布兰科市青少年群体的网络依赖患病率较高，女性青少年更易出现网络成瘾问题。行为相关特征与该青少年样本的网络依赖显著相关。