Browsing by Author "Christenson, Gary, M.D."

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    Internet Use and Associated Risks in a College Sample
    (2012-04-04) Derbyshire, Katherine; Lust, Katherine, M.P.H., Ph.D; Schreiber, Liana, B.A.; Odlaug, Brian, M.P.H.; Christenson, Gary, M.D.; Golden, David, B.A.; Grant, Jon E., J.D., M.D., M.P.H
    The Internet is commonly used among young adults; however, internet use may become a problematic behavior. Past research has examined Internet behavior in young adults and its relationship to other behaviors and health issues, yet further research needs to be completed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship. A sample (n=2108) of college students (56.9% female) was examined using a self-report Internet survey concerning demographic characteristics, Internet use, health behaviors, psychosocial functioning, and psychiatric comorbidities. We found that 237 students (12.9%) met criteria for limited Internet use, 1502 (81.8%) for mild Internet use and 98 (5.3%) for moderate to severe Internet use. Variables significantly associated with greater frequency of Internet use included lower Grade Point Average (p= .006), less frequent exercise (p= .018), higher PHQ-9 scores (p<.0001) (indicative of greater depression symptoms) and higher Perceived Stress Scores (p<.0001). These data indicate that moderate to severe Internet use is associated with a range of psychosocial problems in young adults. More research is needed to better understand the relationship between Internet use and physical and mental health, as well as academic variables.