The COVID-19 pandemic and problematic usage of the internet: Findings from a diverse adult sample in South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has led to increased reliance on the internet. How problematic usage of the internet (PUI) and COVID-19 related stress and other clinical variables relate, is unknown. We hypothesised that higher PUI level would be significantly associated with higher levels of: (i) pandemic-related stress; and (ii) impulsive and compulsive symptoms and traits.

Methods

An online community-based cross-sectional survey was used for data collection. Relationships between PUI level and other variables were characterised using correlational analyses. Regression analyses determined the cumulative explanatory power of variables, with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to explore path loadings. ANOVA was used to investigate

SUBMITTER: Lochner C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9239549 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature