Development and Testing of a 3-Item Screening Tool for Problematic Internet Use

Abstract

Introduction To develop and validate the PRIUSS-3 screening scale, a short scale to screen for Problematic Internet Use. Methods This scale development study applied standard processes using separate samples for training and testing dtatasets. We recruited participants from schools and colleges in 6 states and 2 countries. We selected 3 initial versions of a PRIUSS-3 using correlation to the PRIUSS-18 score. We evaluated these 3 potential screening scales for conceptual coherence, factor loading, sensitivity and specificity. We selected a 3-item screening tool and evaluated it in two separate testing sets using receiver operating curves (ROCs). Results Our study sample included 1079 adolescents and young adults. The PRIUSS-3 included 3 items addressing: 1) anxiety when away from the internet, 2) loss of motivation when on the internet, and 3) feelings of withdrawal when away from the internet. This screening scale had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 69%. A score of 3 or greater on the PRIUSS-3 was the threshold to follow-up with the PRIUSS-18. Discussion Similar to other clinical screens, the PRIUSS-3 can be administered quickly in a clinical or research setting. Positive screens should be followed by administering the full PRIUSS-18. Given the pervasive presence of the internet in youth's lives, screening and counseling for PIU can be facilitated by use of this validated screening tool.

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“…A shorter, 3-item PRIUSS was developed to be used as an initial screening tool [59] by employing three screening questions:…”

Problem gambling, associations with comorbid health conditions, substance use, and behavioural addictions: Opportunities for pathways to treatment

“…", to which the response options response options utilize a Likert scale with scores of 0 through 4 (0 = never; 1 = rarely; 2 = sometimes; 3 = often; 4 = very often). The PRIUSS-3 has been shown to possess a sensitivity of 0.98 and a specificity of 0.80 [42]; proving its validity as a screening instrument.…”

“…Behavioral addictions. Problematic internet use was assessed using the 3-item Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS-3) [42]. The questions are asked in present tense, and include the following; "how often do you experience increased social anxiety due to your Internet use?…”

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“…The Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale 3 (PRIUSS) ( Moreno et al, 2016 ), consists of three questions, rated on a 5-point Likert scale (never, rarely, sometimes, often, and very often).…”