Purpose This research was conducted to investigate the prevalence of internet addiction and psychosocial problems and associated factors among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey. The population was composed of 9th and 10th grade students. The sample consisted of 1572 participants. Data were collected from parents of the students through a questionnaire, the Pediatric Symptom Checklist, and the Parent-Child Internet Addiction Test. Results The prevalence of psychosocial problems was 20.7%. A few (4.8%) of adolescents had limited internet addiction symptoms. The psychosocial problems risk was significantly higher in adolescents whose fathers did not work, whose family income was less than expense, and whose daily internet use time was more than 3 h and more ( p < 0.05). The risk of problematic internet use was significantly higher in males, whose mother's education level was high school and lower, whose family income was less than expense, and whose duration of internet use was 5 years and more ( p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between internet addiction and psychosocial problem mean scores ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Most of the adolescents were internet users and one in five adolescents was at risk of psychosocial problems. Internet addiction and psychosocial problems were associated with several sociodemographic factors. Practice implications This study emphasizes the need for the prevention of excessive internet use and psychosocial problems during COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents. Nurses should organize online trainings for internet addiction and psychosocial problems for adolescents and their parents during the quarantine process.

No abstract

Background University students are faced with several stress factors affecting their mental health. Therefore, the first year at university is a period that calls for careful attention and research. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of laughter yoga on mental symptoms and cortisol levels in nursing students. Methods This study is a randomized controlled study employing a pre‐/post‐test design with a control group. A total of 75 healthy university students were assigned to the intervention group and control group. The Brief Symptom Inventory was applied to both groups before Session 1 and after Session 8. Saliva samples were taken from the students to measure their cortisol levels before and after each session. Results Evaluation of the mean scores obtained from the Brief Symptom Inventory before and after the intervention showed a significant decrease in the scores between groups (P < 0.05). In three out of the eight sessions, there was a significant decrease in the intervention group compared with the control group regarding the mean values of pre‐test and post‐test salivary cortisol levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion Laughter yoga can provide an effective means to help first‐year nursing students cope with stress and reduce mental symptoms.

No abstract

No abstract