The role of social support on the relationships between internet use and sleep problems in adolescents during COVID‐19 pandemic: a multicentre study

Abstract

Background: This study examines the frequency of problematic internet use and sleep problems in adolescents aged 14-18 years during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies the impact of factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, internet habits, changes in daily life, and perceived social support on these problems. Methods: This multicentre study was a questionnaire-based online survey study. The questionnaire included the Young Internet Addiction Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, as well as questions about demographic information, internet habits, and changes in daily life during pandemic. Several multivariate Backward logistic regression models were run to determine the variables that predicted problematic internet use and poor sleep quality. Results: It was determined that the frequency of problematic internet use was 15.5%, and the frequency of poor sleep quality was 47.8%. Poor sleep quality was found 2.5 times higher in problematic internet users. The perceived social support was found insufficient in adolescents with problematic internet use and poor sleep quality. Various factors such as the excessive use of internet and social media, low school success, lack of physical activity, lack of rules for internet use at home, and worsening of relationships with parents were found to be predictive factors for these problems. Conclusions: Problematic internet use during the pandemic is associated with worsening sleep quality in adolescents. It is important to create special interventions for problematic internet use and sleep problems that develop in adolescents as a result of restrictions during the pandemic. Key Practitioner Message• The restrictions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic can cause various problems such as problematic internet use and sleep problems in adolescents. However, little is known about the relationship of these problems with perceived social support and changes in daily life. • In this study, poor sleep quality was found higher in problematic internet users. Problematic internet use and related sleep problems were found significant problems in adolescents during the pandemic period, and these problems were observed together with a poor academic performance and lower perceived social support. • Various factors such as the excessive use of internet and social media, low school success, lack of physical activity, lack of rules for internet use at home, and worsening of relationships with parents were found to be predictive factors for these problems. • It is important to establish intervention programs that will improve the daily lives of adolescents who are prone to problematic internet use and sleep problems and increase the social support they receive from family and friends.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Swedish Adolescents’ Mental Health, Psychosocial Functioning, Risk Behaviours, and Victimisation: Gender Differences and Implications

“…This could be partially viewed as a potentially problematic use of the internet. Orhon et al [32] found that problematic internet use among adolescents during the pandemic was associated with poorer sleep quality. Lower psychosocial functioning, such as a lack of physical activity, reduced academic performance, and problematic relationships with parents, were identified as predictors.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Swedish Adolescents’ Mental Health, Psychosocial Functioning, Risk Behaviours, and Victimisation: Gender Differences and Implications

“…This could be partially viewed as a potentially problematic use of the internet. Orhon et al [36] found that problematic internet use among adolescents during the pandemic was associated with poorer sleep quality. Lower psychosocial functioning, such as a lack of physical activity, reduced academic performance, and problematic relationships with parents, were identified as predictors.…”