Approximately 30% (n = 258) and 4.3% (n = 37) of subjects showed
intermittent Internet addiction and Internet addiction, respectively. Multivariate logistic
regression analysis showed that junior high school students and students having a
longer period of Internet use were significantly associated with intermittent addiction.
In addition, male gender, chatting, and longer Internet use per day were significantly
associated with Internet addiction. When the demographic and Internet-related factors
were controlled, obsessive-compulsive and depressive symptoms were found to be
independently associated factors for intermittent addiction and addiction to the
Internet, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Staff working in junior or senior high schools should pay closer
attention to those students who have the risk factors for intermittent addiction and
addiction to the Internet. Early preventive intervention programs are needed that
consider the individual severity level of Internet addiction.